SEX-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN PHYSICAL THERAPY CAREER EXPECTATIONS IN HA’IL, SAUDI ARABIA

Social and cultural factors can lead to gender-biased expectations in physical therapy (PT) career. In Saudi Arabia, female physical therapists might be undergoing more cultural competencies than males to develop their career. This study aimed to investigate whether there are differences between men and women physical therapists (PTs) in their career expectations in Saudi Arabia. We tested 496 responses 192 (38.7%) were males and 307 (61.3%) were females. 325 (65.5%) responses were obtained from students including those in the internship year while the rest of the responses 171 (34.5%) were from graduated PTs. A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken using a questionnaire sent electronically to PT students and graduates in Ha’il City, Saudi Arabia. The answers to questions regarding the future career expectation and the perception of PT career among other healthcare professions were analyzed. Statistically higher female numbers were expected to conduct research activity, become faculty teaching staff, continue their education, and attend special courses. No sex-related differences were found regarding the expectation to occupy a governmental job, own a private business and participate as an active member of the Saudi Physical Therapy Association. A higher proportion of females see that PT practice is as independent and prestigious as other medical and health specialties. Both genders considered PT is an prestigious as other heakth professions. There are sex-related differences in PT career expectations and the perception of PT career compared to other healthcare professions.