The need for public physiotherapeutic services in rural and suburban Albania

By, Kristi ÇELA, Msc.

Abstract

Introduction: According to Institution of Statistics of Albania 75% of Albanian population lives and is considered a rural population. Based on studies for the general health of the population it is noted that rural and suburban population reports a lower prevalence for good general health compared to the population on urban areas. Even more specifically musculoskeletal issues are seen to have a connection with rural settings but the physiotherapeutic services are missing. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to establish the need of physiotherapeutic services on rural and suburban Albania based on the level of knowledge of this population for the medical services, benefits provided from physiotherapeutic interventions and the level of patients with musculoskeletal issues that have never received such services. Methodology: This study included 490 subjects, 230 males and 260 females from the age of 18 to 80+, all living and receiving medical services on similar settings and backgrounds. Results: 65% of the total population had suffered at least one musculoskeletal issue during the past 3 months. From 320 subjects that had these issues only 6% where recommended to visit a physiotherapist after visiting their local doctor. Only 49% of the whole population knew about physiotherapeutic services .91% of the population preferred to have access of physiotherapeutic services on their local health center and 81% claimed that traveling to urban areas was an extra expense for their health care. Conclusions: Based on the data extracted from the study Albania would benefit from providing public physiotherapeutic services in rural and suburban areas to promote public health for the population. This would give employment opportunities for younger physiotherapists and prevent the higher densities of professionists on a single area.

How to cite: Çela, K. (2022). The need for public physiotherapeutic services in rural and suburban Albania. Medicus, 6(2), 23–33.

https://doi.org/10.58944/lvak5140