Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cardiac rehabilitation among physiotherapists in Morocco

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is a growing challenge worldwide, and Morocco is no exception. Despite its growing popularity, cardiac rehabilitation is still largely underutilized. In order to improve the provision of cardiac rehabilitation, a study of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physiotherapists in Morocco, key players in cardiac rehabilitation, is described. This assessment highlights existing skill gaps and enables the necessary corrective measures to be identified. This cross-sectional study included Moroccan physiotherapists working in different institutions (public and private) in different regions of Morocco. A total of 145 valid questionnaires were collected (33% response rate). The results showed that 72.4% of respondents had a medium level of knowledge of cardiac rehabilitation, 93.8% had a positive attitude, and 73% of physiotherapists said they sometimes practiced cardiac rehabilitation. Subgroup analysis showed that the lower the level of education, the more negative the knowledge and practice of rehabilitation. The results also showed that physiotherapists working in education sector and private clinics had better practice than those working in hospitals.