BTR 7: Health Literacy on Physical Therapy Among Senior Citizens and Community Health Workers

Health Literacy in Physical Therapy: Importance for Senior Citizens and Community Health Workers

Health literacy regarding physical therapy is a critical component in enhancing the understanding and accessibility of rehabilitation services, particularly for senior citizens and community health workers (CHWs). The podcast episode featuring Ms. Kriza Ganotisi and Prof. Ryan Dean Sucgang highlights several key points that underscore the significance of health literacy in this context.

Understanding the Target Groups

1. Senior Citizens: Many senior citizens live with chronic musculoskeletal conditions that physical therapy can manage or alleviate. However, they often lack appropriate referrals or interventions due to a limited understanding of what physical therapy entails. The study discussed in the episode focused on assessing health literacy among senior citizens with physical disabilities, revealing a gap in their comprehension of physical therapy-related information.

2. Community Health Workers (CHWs): CHWs, or barangay health workers, serve as frontline health representatives in communities. They play a vital role in disseminating health information and guiding patients. However, the study found that many CHWs had limited formal knowledge of physical therapy, which restricted their ability to effectively communicate the benefits and services available to the elderly population.

Bridging the Gap

The lack of health literacy among both senior citizens and CHWs creates a significant barrier to accessing rehabilitation services. The podcast emphasized that improving health literacy can help bridge this gap in several ways:

• Empowerment through Education: By educating CHWs about physical therapy, they can better inform and guide senior citizens in their communities. This empowerment is crucial for enhancing the overall health literacy of the community, as CHWs are often the first point of contact for health-related inquiries.

• Addressing Misconceptions: The episode highlighted common misconceptions about physical therapy, such as the belief that physical therapists are merely massage therapists or that their services are only relevant for those with severe disabilities. By improving health literacy, these misconceptions can be addressed, leading to a more accurate understanding of the role and benefits of physical therapy.

• Community Engagement: The researchers noted the importance of involving community leaders and local government units (LGUs) in health literacy initiatives. By collaborating with these entities, physical therapists can create informational materials and workshops that raise awareness about physical therapy services, making them more accessible to the community.

Practical Strategies for Improvement

The podcast discussed several strategies to enhance health literacy regarding physical therapy:

• Use of Local Language: Conducting interviews and assessments in the local language (Ilocano) helped ensure that senior citizens could understand the information being presented. This approach can be expanded to include educational materials that are culturally and linguistically appropriate.

• Development of Informational Materials: Creating easy-to-understand brochures, videos, and other multimedia resources can help disseminate information about physical therapy services. These materials should be tailored to the specific needs and understanding of the community.

• Workshops and Seminars: Engaging CHWs in workshops that teach basic exercises and the use of assistive devices can empower them to share this knowledge with senior citizens. This hands-on approach not only improves health literacy but also fosters a sense of community involvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, health literacy regarding physical therapy is essential for both senior citizens and community health workers. By addressing the gaps in understanding and access to rehabilitation services, we can improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. The insights shared in the podcast underscore the need for ongoing education, community engagement, and the development of culturally relevant resources to enhance health literacy in physical therapy. Through these efforts, we can ensure that senior citizens receive the care they need and that CHWs are equipped to support their communities effectively.

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction to Behind the Research
00:01:27 - Summary of the Research Study
00:02:58 - Inspiration Behind the Study
00:05:01 - Role of Barangay Health Workers
00:09:06 - Challenges in Data Collection
00:10:26 - Misconceptions About Physical Therapy
00:13:27 - Strategies to Correct Misconceptions
00:17:06 - Government Support for CBR Program
00:21:10 - Sustainability of Community Programs
00:22:08 - Gender Disparity Among Health Workers
00:25:11 - Importance of Health Literacy Terms
00:30:57 - Volunteer vs. Paid Roles of Health Workers
00:33:57 - Role of Physical Therapists in the Community
00:41:00 - Future Studies on Health Literacy
00:48:15 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts