The occupational prestige of the physiotherapy profession: Perception of physiotherapy students

Abstract

Background: Occupational prestige defines the social standing of a profession. It is a useful indicator of the profession’s marketability and desirability. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the perception of Nigerian students on the prestige of the physiotherapy profession relative to some other selected occupations, and how their perception was influenced by some selected sociodemographics. Materials and Methods: Four hundred and twenty-two copies of a self-administered questionnaire were distributed, completed, and returned from students on the two campuses in Southeastern Nigeria. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Kendall’s W, and chi-square analysis. Results: Respondents included 212 males (50.2%) and 210 females (49.8%). Most of them were between the ages of 20 and 30 years (88.6%). The result of the study showed that Physiotherapy was ranked second on the levels of education, social standing, and responsibility; and third on the levels of income and usefulness to society. The only sociodemographics that influenced the overall perceived occupational prestige of the Physiotherapy profession significantly were age and gender (P < 0.05). Conclusion: There is a need to further improve and maintain the social standing of the physiotherapy profession, to bring about a more improved perception of their profession by the students and the public.