NL Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences
(ISSN: 3108-0502)

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Examining the Barriers Impacting Access and Quality of Physiotherapy Services Among Patients Receiving Physiotherapy Care in Some Selected Facilities in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria

Author(s) : Adam Abba Bukar*.
DOI : 10.71168/NMP.02.02.127

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Abstract

Background: Physiotherapy is a critical component of healthcare, promoting recovery, mobility, and overall well-being. However, barriers such as financial constraints, accessibility, and systemic challenges hinder the delivery and accessibility of these services in conflict-affected regions like Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Nigeria. This study explores the barriers impacting access to and the quality of physiotherapy services among patients in MMC, focusing on three facilities: University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, and State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri. Methods: Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 138 patients across the three healthcare facilities through a convenience sampling. Barriers to Treatment Adherence in Physiotherapy Outpatient Clinic Questionnaire (BTAQ) was used, a validated and reliable instrument with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.85 and good construct validity. The data were summarised using descriptive statistics of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages, while Chi square test was used to analyse the association between various domains. Descriptive statistics revealed that the participants (70% male, 30% female) had a mean age of 40 ± 12.21years. Results: Findings revealed financial barriers as the most significant challenge (49%), followed by transportation difficulty (36%). Gender, age, and hospital settings influenced perceptions of these barriers, with older patients, women, and those attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) reporting higher difficulties. Despite these challenges, most participants (85%) expressed satisfaction with the quality of services received. However, findings should be interpreted with caution due to the use of convenience sampling. Conclusion: This research fills a critical gap in literature by focusing on a conflict-affected region, offering recommendations for policy interventions, and public education to improve physiotherapy access and outcomes in MMC and similar settings. Keywords: Physiotherapy services, Healthcare access barriers, Conflict-affected regions, Treatment adherence, Maiduguri Metropolitan Council.

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