Analysis of prejudices and attitudes of students in the department of physical therapy against people with disabilities

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine prejudices and attitudes of students in the department of physical therapy, in order to suggest basic data for constructing an effective program to develop a positive attitude toward people with disabilities and lower social distance from them. [Subjects and Methods] For this study, students in the department of physical therapy participate in the survey examining prejudices and attitude towards people with disabilities. [Results] First, there were statistically significant differences in the prejudice against people with disabilities among student groups divided by whether they had contact on a frequent basis currently with those who have disabilities. Second, there were statistically significant differences in the prejudice against people with disabilities among student groups divided by whether they had an experience of being harmed by people with disabilities. Third, there was a correlation among prejudices against people with disabilities with each other that is articulated in the eighth domain. Finally, as a result of regression analysis, the students’ attitudes towards people with disabilities were explained appropriately by the prejudices about performance of daily tasks and NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) syndrome. [Conclusion] It is crucial to create an environment where University students in the department of physical therapy can have positive interactions with people with disabilities, to reduce the overall prejudices, and specifically, the prejudices about performance of daily tasks and about NIMBY syndrome.

Online Training in Accessibility and Design for All: A Tool to Train Post-COVID Inclusive Graduates

“…No significant gender differences were found, similar to most recent studies [ 36 , 52 , 53 , 54 ], reinforcing the effect of this training to improve the global scores, which is independent from gender.…”

An Evaluation of Medical Students' Perceptions, Knowledge, and Attitudes About People With Disability After Attending the Learning Session on Disability Competency: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The majority of students felt that patients with disabilities faced difficulty in making friends and being accepted in society, but they were not a burden to society or their families. A study conducted among undergraduate students reported that those who have taken lectures are likely to feel like they can be friends with people with disabilities, work together, or spend time together [ 14 , 15 ]. A person with a disability may be discriminated against in society, and some people make fun of a person with a disability.…”

The effect of disability awareness educational program of university students in the department of physical therapy on reducing prejudices against people with disabilities and increasing positive attitudes toward people with disabilities

“…In addition, there was difference in the positive attitudes toward people with disabilities between students who have taken lectures of foundation of special education and those who have not. Students who have taken lectures are likely to feel being able to be friends with people with disabilities, to work together, or to spend time together 7 , 8 ) . In conclusion, it is necessary to provide disability awareness educational program including the theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge about the definitions, causes, characteristics, and educational strategy of all disabilities types for the university students in the department of physical therapy to reduce the overall prejudices against people with disabilities and increase positive attitudes of students toward people with disabilities.…”