Current knowledge and practice of post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect rehabilitation: a national survey of Nigerian physiotherapists

Abstract

BackgroundUnilateral spatial neglect (USN) is a leading cause of disability and handicap in stroke survivors affecting functional recovery. Therapists’ knowledge and practice in post-stroke unilateral spatial neglect are key to the success of rehabilitation.AimThis study aimed to evaluate physiotherapists’ knowledge of USN and the current practice of USN management.MethodA cross-sectional study was undertaken among Nigerian physiotherapists (N = 240). An online structured questionnaire that assessed respondents’ knowledge, current practice, barriers, and enablers to post-stroke USN rehabilitation was administered.ResultsThe total knowledge score was 12.6 ± 4.75 on a scale of 25. Few physiotherapists (7.92%) demonstrated good knowledge of USN. Postgraduate certification (p = 0.001), clinical practice setting (p = 0.008), and working full time in neurorehabilitation (p = 0.033) were significantly associated with the therapist’s knowledge of USN. There was a nonsignificant positive correlation between the duration of practice in the neurorehabilitation setting (r = 0.02; p = 0.854) and USN knowledge. A nonsignificant minimal negative correlation between practice as a physiotherapist (r = − 0.02; p = 0.772) and USN knowledge was also noted. The age of physiotherapists showed no linear relationship with the therapist’s knowledge of USN (r = − 0.00; p = 0.992). Constraint-induced movement therapy (86.47%) was the most commonly used USN treatment, while Albert’s test (49.37%) was the most utilized screening tool for USN.ConclusionsVery few physiotherapists had good knowledge of USN. Participants’ knowledge increased as they attained higher education levels relating to neurological physiotherapy. These findings emphasize the need for specialist rehabilitation training for physiotherapy practice.