Research Organization for Health Education and Rehabilitation-Cameroon (ROHER-CAM), Mankon, Bamenda P.O. Box 818, Cameroon.
Department of Allied Health Professions, Sheffield Hallam University, L108, 36 Collegiate Crescent, Sheffield S10 2BP, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2024 Oct 19;21(10):1386. doi: 10.3390/ijerph21101386.
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and their risk factors are a major cause of illness and death worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Cameroon. Physiotherapist-led health promotion (PLHP) has proven effective in improving health and reducing CVD risks. Understanding patient perspectives is crucial for designing effective, context-specific PLHP interventions. This study explored patients' views, experiences, perceived usefulness, acceptability, and preferred methods of PLHP, through a sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach. The quantitative data highlights a significant burden of CVD conditions and risk factors among patients seen in physiotherapy services. Qualitatively, three themes were identified and included: (1) perspectives and experiences of people at risk or with CVDs (pwCVDs) on PLHP; (2) perceived usefulness and acceptability of PLHP; (3) preferred delivery methods of PLHP. Participants reported positive feedback on PLHP and physiotherapy services. Barriers to effective PLHP included high workloads for physiotherapists, limited service access in rural areas, and prohibitive costs. Despite these challenges, participants expressed strong confidence in physiotherapists' competence, though they also called for improved regulation and ongoing professional development. PLHP components, especially physical treatment and dietary advice, were deemed highly useful and acceptable. Patients suggested various delivery methods, including peer support groups, home visits, and mass media interventions. This study highlights the need to improve the scope of practice, competence of physiotherapists, and accessibility of physiotherapy services in Cameroon for pwCVDs. It is necessary to adopt multidisciplinary approaches to achieve better outcomes for risk factors like diabetes and hypertension in context.
心血管疾病（CVDs）及其风险因素是全球范围内导致疾病和死亡的主要原因，尤其是在像喀麦隆这样的中低收入国家。由物理治疗师主导的健康促进（PLHP）已被证明可有效改善健康状况和降低 CVD 风险。了解患者的观点对于设计有效的、特定于背景的 PLHP 干预措施至关重要。本研究采用顺序解释性混合方法，探讨了患者对 PLHP 的看法、经验、感知有用性、可接受性以及首选方法。定量数据突出了在物理治疗服务中就诊的患者中 CVD 状况和风险因素的负担很大。定性方面，确定了三个主题，包括：（1）处于 CVD 风险或患有 CVD 的人（pwCVDs）对 PLHP 的看法和经验；（2）PLHP 的感知有用性和可接受性；（3）PLHP 的首选传递方法。参与者对 PLHP 和物理治疗服务的反馈均为正面。有效 PLHP 的障碍包括物理治疗师的工作量大、农村地区服务机会有限以及费用高昂。尽管存在这些挑战，但参与者对物理治疗师的能力表示出强烈的信心，尽管他们也呼吁改善监管和持续的专业发展。PLHP 组成部分，尤其是物理治疗和饮食建议，被认为非常有用且可接受。患者提出了各种传递方法，包括同伴支持小组、家访和大众媒体干预。本研究强调需要提高喀麦隆 pwCVDs 的物理治疗师的实践范围、能力和可及性。有必要采取多学科方法，以在上下文中更好地控制糖尿病和高血压等危险因素的结果。
