Predictors of self-perceived cultural responsiveness in entry-level physiotherapy students in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Background Ensuring physiotherapy students are well prepared to work safely and effectively in culturally diverse societies upon graduation is vital. Therefore, determining whether physiotherapy programs are effectively developing the cultural responsiveness of students is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the level of self-perceived cultural responsiveness of entry level physiotherapy students during their training, and explore the factors that might be associated with these levels. Methods A cross sectional study of physiotherapy students from nine universities across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand was conducted using an online self-administered questionnaire containing three parts: The Cultural Competence Assessment tool, Altemeyer’s Dogmatism scale, and the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale- short form. Demographic data relating to university, program, and level of study were also collected. Data was analysed using one-way ANOVA, t-tests and multiple regression analysis. Results A total of 817 (19% response rate) students participated in this study. Overall, students had a moderate level of self-perceived cultural responsiveness (Mean (SD) = 5.15 (0.67)). Fewer number of weeks of clinical placement attended, lower levels of dogmatism, and greater social desirability were related to greater self-perceived cultural responsiveness. Additionally, fourth year undergraduate students perceived themselves to be less culturally responsive than first and second year students ( p < 0.05). Conclusions These results provide educators with knowledge about the level of self-perceived cultural responsiveness in physiotherapy students, and the factors that may need to be assessed and addressed to support the development of culturally responsive practice.

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“…Of note the students self-rated their baseline cultural competency at a relatively high level before the program, presumably due to social desirability bias. These high ratings are consistent with other studies in junior healthcare students [ 36 , 49 ]. The focus of the study was on the increase of their perceived skills after the program.…”

Nursing Cultural Competence in Israel: Does Practice Make It Better?

“…The study suggests that clinical practicum with diverse populations did not increase cultural competency but that cultural competence was lower during and after practicums. Te and colleagues (2019) reported the same findings with physiotherapy students in Australia and New Zealand. However, one study done in Thailand reported the opposite: that clinical practicums with people from different cultural backgrounds improved students’ cultural competency (Khongsamai & Intarakamhang, 2020).…”

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“…Therefore, none of the studies among health care students explored objective health care outcomes. A study by Te et al (2019) has shown an inverse relationship between weeks of clinical placement and perceived cultural competency, but the study’s focus was not on cultural competency directly related to First Nations peoples. A similar comparison among health care professionals’ years of experience and perceived cultural competency could not be made as the reviewed articles did not analyse participant characteristics with respect to these outcomes.…”