The role and preparedness of physiotherapists according to the results of students of two universities in the prevention of chronic diseases using stress urinary incontinence in women as an example

Background: The health and financial burden imposed by chronic non-communicable diseases is expected to increase in parallel with the rapid rate of global population aging. Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an important health problem. Medical professionals should thus provide their patients with knowledge about the appropriate prevention and treatment of chronic diseases, including SUI. Aim of the study: This study compared the level of knowledge concerning the risk factors, prevention, and treatment of SUI in women between physiotherapy graduates at two different Universities with a focus on medicine (Med) and physical education (PE). Material and Methods: This study included final-year physiotherapy students (n=401). Respondents provided answers to open-ended questions used to measure their knowledge about SUI in women. Results: The complete and correct definition of SUI was provided by 64.4% of the students at University Med, and 56.3% of the students at University PE. Students at University Med, in comparison with the students at University PE, had a significantly higher awareness of the risk factors (86.4% vs. 69.4%), prevention methods (85.6% vs. 68.7%), and conservative (92.4% vs. 77.8%) as well as surgical treatment (28.0% vs 6.7%) of SUI in women (p<0.001). Conclusions: There is a need for greater emphasis on education about SUI in order to better prepare physiotherapy graduate students to provide optimal care to their female patients. The disciplinary focus of Universities that provide graduate programs in physiotherapy plays a significant role in gaining knowledge about SUI.