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Abstract
Background
Anatomy education is an integral aspect of physiotherapy training with tremendous effects on clinical education and expertise. Literature is scarce on the current trends in physiotherapy-related anatomy education in Nigeria, making it difficult to identify specific areas that require improvement to enable effective teaching-learning processes.
Objectives
This cross-sectional study investigated the profile, commitment to, perceptions of relevance and challenges of anatomy education among undergraduate students of Nigerian physiotherapy training programmes.
Methods
Structured questionnaires, seeking information on knowledge and perceptions of anatomy education as well as its relevance to physiotherapy training and practice were distributed to 429 physiotherapy undergraduates.
Results
350 questionnaires were completely filled and returned (81.6% response rate). Students’ anatomy profiles showed that majority of the students were exposed to anatomy education for 3–4 semesters (58.3%) with an average of one hour per lecture period (70.0%) which commonly comprised 401–600 students (58.0%). Despite that all the students reported exposure to dissection classes, only 11.7% reported adequate supervision of such classes. >50% of the students were aware of the relevance of anatomy education to physiotherapy training and practice. However, their commitment to anatomy education was generally poor. Major challenges of effective anatomy education included inadequate time for anatomy education (70.0%), large class size (67.1%) and non-supervision of dissection classes (22.6%). Age, gender and choice of physiotherapy as the primary intended course of study were not (p > 0.05) predictors of students’ commitment to anatomy education.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy undergraduates are aware of the relevance of anatomy education in physiotherapy training and practice. However, barriers of effective anatomy education were identified. Modifications in anatomy education are required for improved physiotherapy training.
Disclosure statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Funding
The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Chidiebele Petronilla Ojukwu
Dr. Chidiebele Petronilla Ojukwu is senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Rehabilitation University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. She is also a part-time lecturer in the department of Physiotherapy Evangel university Akaeze and King David university of medical sciences, both in Ebonyi state. Dr. Chidiebele holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy), as well as M.Sc and PhD qualifications in women’s health Physiotherapy. She is a seasoned Physiotherapy educator with more than eleven years of experience. Her research interests are in women’s health Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy education and related practices, ergonomics and pregnancy-related venous thromboembolic disorders. She has also authored more than fifty scholarly articles in peer-reviewed journals and still had several on-going projects.
Emeka Godson Anyanwu
Prof. Emeka Godson Anyanwu is a Professor in the Department of Anatomy Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. He obtained a B.Sc., M SC, Ph.D, degrees in Human Anatomy. He has Special interest in Medical Education, Anthropometry, Forensic Science and Clinical Anatomy. He has been teaching Anatomy since the year 2000 and has been part of the training of Medical and Health Science students in other institutions in Nigeria. Prof. Anyanwu serves as an external examiner in various medical schools both within and outside Nigeria.
Chekwube Benjamin Onyebuchi
Chekwube Benjamin Onyebuchi is a Physiotherapist with a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy). He is practicing as a Senior Physiotherapist in a secondary healthcare facility in Enugu, Nigeria. His research interests are in Physiotherapy education and community-based Physiotherapy practices.
Chigozie Ikenna Uchenwoke
Chigozie Ikenna Uchenwoke is a lecturer/Researcher with University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. Chigozie holds a Masters degree in Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy. Chigozie’s research Interest spans from approaches on how to improve physiotherapy training in Nigeria, enhancing quality of lives for persons with disabilities and understanding various management pathways for respiratory patients.
Adaora Justina Okemuo
Adaora Justina Okemuo is a Lecturer/researcher in the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy) and an M.Sc in Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy. She is currently a PhD researcher in the Department of Physiotherapy, Buckinghamshire New University, UK. Her research interests are in physical activity, cardiopulmonary, ergonomics, neurological physiotherapy and women’s health.
Chinelo Jennifer Okafor
Chinelo Jennifer Okafor is a senior physiotherapist at Brain and Spine Surgery Physiotherapy Services in Abuja Nigeria. She received a bachelor’s degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Nigeria and a masters degree in Specialist physiotherapy practice from Sheffield Hallam University in the United kingdom. She is interested in exercise and health science, with a focus on the effects of various physical activity and exercise regimens on the cardiovascular, metabolic and musculoskeletal health, and also the chronic care of certain diseases through exercise.
Chioma Nneka Ikele
Chioma Nneka Ikele (MCSP) is a Lecturer at the Department of Medical Rehabilitation, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus. She received a bachelor’s degree in Medical Rehabilitation from the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus and a master’s degree in Exercise Physiology from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. She is interested in Physiotherapy, Medical Education, Rehabilitation Medicine, Exercise Science, Health Promotion and Ergonomics. She has authored several research papers in different fields especially Physiotherapy which include but are not limited to Pelvic health, Neurology, Elderly care, Musculoskeletal, Exercise and Sports etc.