Abstract:
Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to insulin deficiency or resistance. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause severe damage to the nervous and vascular systems, potentially leading to retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and various musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis and movement disorders, which may worsen with age. Physiotherapy is an effective non-pharmacological treatment that employs various therapeutic techniques to help manage diabetes, prevent secondary complications, and provide therapy for those complications. Methods: A cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare-seeking behaviour related to physiotherapy among diabetic patients in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. A total of 405 diabetic patients were interviewed at different healthcare centers. A purposive sampling technique was used, and data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured, closed-ended questionnaire. Results: Among the respondents, 93.8% reported they had Type II diabetes, while only 6.2% had Type I diabetes. About two-thirds (66.7%) of respondents experienced complications related to diabetes, while one-third (33.3%) were free from complications. 54.6% of respondents demonstrated good knowledge of physiotherapy. However, only 51% showed a positive attitude toward it. Just 29% of respondents had ever utilized physiotherapy, typically upon the advice of physicians. Education, family income, and occupation influenced knowledge levels. Age, gender, education, family income, and occupation affected attitudes; with older, female, educated, higher-income, and currently employed individuals showing greater acceptance and utilization. Important barriers included cost, accessibility, and lack of referrals. Conclusion: The knowledge of physiotherapy among diabetic patients is somewhat positive; however, attitudes toward physiotherapy are not favorable, and healthcare- seeking behaviors remain alarmingly low. Recommendations: Large- scale initiatives should be implemented to promote physiotherapy utilization, including integrating physiotherapy facilities into public, private, and NGO healthcare service centers, introducing government incentives for low- income patients, and increasing awareness among patients about the benefits of physiotherapy. Further nationwide research is recommended to obtain results that are more precise.
