IDENTIFY BARRIERS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH ADHERENCE TO PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT AMONG RURAL AND URBAN GERIATRIC POPULATION IN PATIALA DISTRICT

Abstract

Background: Adherence with the treatment has been identified as an essential factor that influences the success and outcomes of treatment. Undetected nonadherence is recognized as a reason for altered treatment programs and has been suggested as a reason for nonsignificant research outcomes.

Methods: A total of 150 subjects (urban-30 females and 47 males, rural- 36 females and 37 males) were surveyed for information using structured self-questionnaire from outpatient physiotherapy centers, Punjabi University Patiala.

Results: More than 95% (77 urban and 73 rural) of the elderly population. About 93.3% urban and 97.6% rural females were nonadherent whereas 91.4% urban and 100% rural males were nonadherent. Observations suggested a statistically significant relationship of barriers with adherence to physiotherapy treatment with location (p=0.0001*), physical therapy centre accessibility (p=0.0235*), difficulty travelling to physical therapy centre (p=0.0020*), paying expenses (p=0.0001*), longer treatment duration (p=0.0004*), less encouragement from family/spouse for exercise (p=0.0106*). A non-significant relationship was found with confidence to return to exercises once stopped (p=0.0998NS), difficulty in remembering exercises (p=0.7928NS), other medical condition (OA, incontinence) (p=0.0796NS), anxiety and depression (p=0.2860NS), ability to perform ADL/IDL (p=0.0888NS).

Conclusion: The findings indicate that a very low level of adherence was observed among the elderly population to physical therapy treatment (6.6% urban, 2.7% rural females) and (8.5% urban, 0% of rural males). Elderly residing in rural areas are comparatively less adherent than urban elderly to physiotherapy treatment.