Publication:

Knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of gynecologists regarding physiotherapy in obstetric and gynecological care: a cross-sectional study

Background Physiotherapy is an essential component of obstetric and gynecological care, supporting women during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and the management of pelvic floor disorders. Despite its proven clinical benefits, its integration into routine gynecological practice remains inconsistent and may be influenced by physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions.

Methods This cross-sectional study included 133 gynecologists from selected healthcare facilities in Dhaka, Gazipur, and Munshiganj, Bangladesh, between January and July 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. Descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for data analysis with SPSS version 25.

Results Most gynecologists demonstrated good knowledge of obstetric physiotherapy. Overall, 91% recognized its general benefits, while 96.2% acknowledged its role in facilitating normal delivery and strengthening core muscles after childbirth. However, knowledge gaps existed regarding cesarean scar rehabilitation (33.8%) and diastasis recti management (47.4%). More than half (55.6%) considered physiotherapy expensive, and 62.4% perceived it as time-consuming. Although 51.1% routinely referred patients for pregnancy-related exercise, 57.1% never referred patients for physiotherapy. No significant correlations were found between professional experience or working hours and knowledge, attitude, or perception scores.

Conclusions Gynecologists demonstrated satisfactory awareness of obstetric physiotherapy but limited knowledge of pelvic rehabilitation and post-cesarean recovery. Despite generally positive attitudes, low referral rates indicate a gap between knowledge and clinical practice, highlighting the need for continuing professional education and better integration of physiotherapy services into obstetric and gynecological care.