Study on the Awareness and Demands of Korean University Students Majoring in Physical Therapy: Focus on Women's Health Physical Therapy

PURPOSE: This study examined the awareness and demands for Women's Health Physical Therapy (WHPT) of university students majoring in physical therapy. METHODS: From September to October 2020, questionnaire surveys were distributed to students majoring in physical therapy using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected via an internet form from 300 students in eight universities. The survey consisted of three parts consisting of five general characteristics, four questions for awareness, and five questions for the demands. The numerical values for the questions were calculated using a Likert-type scale and descriptive statistics. An independent T-test, ANOVA, and Dunnett T3 test were performed, and the significance level was .05. RESULTS: The demands (3.88) level of the WHPT was higher than the awareness (2.32). The awareness was similar in both genders (p > .05), but there was a significant difference in the demand between genders (p < .05). Female students knew better and had more demands of WHPT than male students. Similarly, a difference in the awareness level by grade was found. The 4^th grade had the highest awareness comparing the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd grades, but there was no significant difference in awareness and demand according to clinical practice (p > .05). CONCLUSION: The students have high demands compared to awareness, suggesting that the university and association need to prepare diverse and deeper education on WHPT.