An assessment of knowledge and opinion of Nigerian physiotherapists on application of iontophoresis in the management of selected skin disorders and arthritis

• Published in: Technology and health care Vol. 20; no. 3; pp. 169 - 177
• Main Authors: Onigbinde, Ayodele Teslim, Orolade, Ibidayo Akanji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands 01.01.2012
• Subjects: Adult; Arthritis; Arthritis - drug therapy; Assessments; Clinical Competence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electrodes; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Iontophoresis - methods; Iontophoresis - utilization; Male; Nigeria; Physical Therapists - psychology; Placement; Skin Diseases - drug therapy; Statistics; Stimulation; Tolerances; Ulcers; Young Adult; Nigeria
• ISSN: 0928-7329; 1878-7401
• DOI: 10.3233/THC-2012-0667

It is becoming increasingly important to improve knowledge of physiotherapists about iontophoresis since it involves topical medications. There is need to ascertain that physiotherapists have adequate knowledge of the procedure. The primary aim of this study was to determine the opinion and knowledge level of Nigerian physiotherapists about iontophoresis. One hundred and twenty-three (123) physiotherapists were purposively selected. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used for this study. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result showed that 40 (33.3%) physiotherapists were using iontophoresis as a treatment technique for skin ulcer, hyperhidrosis, and arthritis. Sixty-six (53.7%) of all the respondents chose galvanic (interrupted galvanic) current as the mode used for applying iontophoresis, 43 (35.0%) chose wrongly, faradic current as the current mode while 14 (11.3%) are ignorant of the correct current mode. The result showed variations in electrode placement for stimulation among physiotherapists- nerve root (12.2%), myotome (10.6%), trigger or acupuncture points (22.0%) while 12.2% indicated that they had no idea of appropriate electrodes placement. There was no significant difference in the mean percentage difference in the number of respondent who were correct in the type of current format being utilized for iontophoresis procedure and those who were wrong. Also, there was no significant difference in the mean percentage difference in the number of respondent who uses different methods of electrode placement. Most physiotherapists (62.6%) chose 1-15 minutes as the duration of application for iontophoresis while 31.7% chose their parameters based on patient's tolerance, experience and patient's condition. It was concluded that few physiotherapists in Nigeria have adequate knowledge about iontophoresis and very few are using iontophoresis as a treatment option.