The physiotherapy workforce in Nepal: A national survey

Area of Science:

• Physiotherapy workforce analysis
• Health services research
• Professional development in Nepal

Background:

• Physiotherapy in Nepal is a developing profession with recent improvements in education and organization.
• A lack of detailed workforce data hinders effective decision-making and strategic planning for physiotherapy in Nepal.
• Understanding the current physiotherapy workforce demographics and job satisfaction is crucial for future development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the demographic profile of physiotherapists in Nepal.
• To identify physiotherapy practice areas, settings, and employment characteristics.
• To assess job satisfaction and influencing factors among Nepali physiotherapists.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Nepali physiotherapists.
• Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, practice details, and job satisfaction.
• Statistical analysis, including logistic regression, examined associations between factors and job satisfaction.

Main Results:

• The majority of respondents (52%) were under 30, held a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, and had 1-4 years of experience.
• Most physiotherapists practiced musculoskeletal and adult neurology in private settings near Kathmandu.
• Job dissatisfaction (41%) was prevalent, strongly correlated with low income (53% felt underpaid).

Conclusions:

• The Nepali physiotherapy workforce is predominantly young, well-educated, and early in their careers, concentrated geographically.
• Musculoskeletal and adult neurological physiotherapy are the primary practice areas, mainly in private sectors.
• Low annual income is a significant driver of job dissatisfaction, indicating a need for improved remuneration strategies.