Qualitative research in physiotherapy: A systematic mapping review of 20 years literature from sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Study aim: To summarize the current state and quality of qualitative research conducted by physiotherapists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Methods:We systematically searched multiple databases from 2000 till December 2020 and included peer-reviewed qualitative studies conducted by physiotherapists in SSA countries. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies using the 45-items checklist by Lundgren et al. (2012).Conventional content analysis was employed to create physiotherapy subject areas from the included studies. Results:We included 114 studies, a majority of 84 (74%) conducted in South Africa.Included studies were categorized into five subject areas: sports (n=2), disability (n=16), professional practice (n=24), education and training (n=36) and care provision (n=36).We rated 74 (65%), 29 (25%), and 11 (10%) of the included research as low reporting quality, moderate-and high reporting quality, respectively. There was a significant lack of reporting on researchers' team characteristics, reflexivity and member checking. Conclusion:We conclude that the reporting of published qualitative studies in SSA show variable quality, albeit mostly low, focused mainly on care provision, education and training. Physiotherapy-researchers are encouraged to report reflexive practice and member checking when conducting qualitative research.

Publication and characteristics of qualitative research in School Psychology journals between 2006 and 2021.

“…Nevertheless, the growth remains modest, and the overall proportion remains low. Although there is no consensus on the ideal or desired proportion of qualitative publications for School Psychology journals, researchers conducting similar studies in other fields such as medicine (Shuval et al, 2011), physiotherapy (Kalu et al, 2022), and psychiatry (Crawford et al, 2003) seem to treat any proportion less than 10% or less as low.…”

Methodology and reporting quality of 544 studies related to ageing: a continued discussion in setting priorities for ageing research in Africa

“…Qualitative ageing research in SSA is increasing and has been under intense scrutiny for its methodology and reporting, hindering its use in clinical practice. 149 Therefore, qualitative ageing researchers use some of the qualitative reporting guidelines, such as consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ), 150 standards for reporting qualitative research (SRQR), 151 or Lundgren et al's 17 45 checklist, is encouraged.…”