Nutrition Course and Physiotherapy Students in Jerash University, Jordan

Abstract

Introduction: Physiotherapists using exercises as one of the major rehabilitation techniques. Nutrition has significant impact on exercises rehabilitation and its outcomes. Adequate nutritional status maintenance in combination with a sufficient nutrient intake is the key to health and quality of life and wellbeing. Given that diet can greatly influence patients' capacity to participate in exercise rehabilitation and their overall results, it is advantageous for physiotherapists to comprehend the connection between nutrition and disease processes. It is beneficial to physiotherapists to have good background about nutrition in their carrier. The aim of this study is to explore Jerash University (JU) physiotherapy students experience on nutrition course. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a total of 50 participants, who are physiotherapy students at JU studying Nutrition. An online questionnaire designed via Google form consists of a seven items closed-ended questionnaire. It was sent to participate in their batch group chat. The data was statistically analyzed using descriptive analysis and presented using graphics and charts. Results: There were 92% of participants did not previously take nutritional course. Participants proficient in the subjects significantly increase from 20% before attending the course into 34.8% after attending the course. There were 58% of participants expected to learn new skills that may be developed overtime after attending the course while 32% of participants expected to learn new skills that can be used immediately after attending the course. Conclusion: Entry-level physical therapy students require more education on basic nutrition and want to receive more education throughout their program.