Tanaka S, Inoue Y, Kaminiwa Y, Mogi K, Tanaka R. Healthcare-seeking behavior and awareness of physical therapy among Japanese residents in Thailand: a descriptive study.
J Phys Ther Sci 2021;
33:388-393. [PMID:
34083876 PMCID:
PMC8165363 DOI:
10.1589/jpts.33.388]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
[Purpose] This descriptive study examined healthcare-seeking behavior and awareness of
physical therapy among Japanese residents of different age groups in Thailand.
[Participants and Methods] The study included 145 Japanese residents in Thailand. An
online questionnaire was used to collect data on the participants’ sociodemographic
characteristics, healthcare-seeking behavior, and awareness of physical therapy.
Participants were categorized into three groups based on age, such as young adults,
middle-aged adults, and older adults. The χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test were
used in the data analysis. [Results] The results showed that compared with the older
groups, the youngest group was more likely to visit pharmacies, physical therapy clinics,
osteopathic clinics, and Thai massage shops to receive healthcare services for injuries or
diseases. The participants learned about healthcare services in Thailand through
word-of-mouth. Additionally, more than 50% of all participants knew about physical
therapy. [Conclusion] There are some differences in health-seeking behavior and awareness
of physical therapy among the groups. The youngest group visited physical therapy clinics
and 50% of all participants knew about physical therapy.
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