Keywords
physiotherapy
Pakistan
gender differences
psychosocial factors
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Limited research explores factors influencing physiotherapy career choices in developing countries like Pakistan, despite workforce shortages. This study identifies psychosocial and socio-economic factors driving Pakistani students’ decisions to pursue physiotherapy and examines gender differences.
Methods: A cross-sectional study surveyed 60 physiotherapy students (53% male, 47% female, mean age 25) at Khyber Medical University using a validated 12-item questionnaire. Participants rated the importance of career-decider factors. Descriptive statistics and independent t-tests analyzed data (p<0.05).
Results: Top factors included pre-medical marks (68% rated very important), job opportunities (67%), and desire to help others (58%). Prior physiotherapy exposure (90%) and desire to be a physiotherapist (71%) were rated not important. No significant gender differences were found (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Academic performance and job availability drive physiotherapy career choices in Pakistan, suggesting targeted recruitment strategies to address workforce shortages.