ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING POSTURAL AWARENESS IN UNDERGRADUATE PHYSICAL THERAPY STUDENTS AT KHYBER MEDICAL UNIVERSITY, PESHAWAR

Abstract

Postural awareness plays a vital role in preventing musculoskeletal disorders and maintaining overall health and well-being. Despite its significance, postural distortions such as forward head posture, increased lordosis, round shoulders, and kyphosis are commonly observed among students due to poor ergonomics and lifestyle habits. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and practices regarding postural awareness among undergraduate physical therapy students at Khyber Medical University, Peshawar. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2018 to January 2019, involving 415 students selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results showed that 290 (69.88%) students demonstrated correct knowledge of postural awareness, whereas 125 (30.12%) had insufficient knowledge. Regarding practices, 243 (58.55%) students reported correct practices, while 172 (41.45%) exhibited poor practices. Gender-based differences revealed that male students had lower rates of correct practices (41.2%) compared to females (58.8%). The findings highlight that although a majority of students possess adequate knowledge, a significant proportion still lack proper practices, placing them at risk of musculoskeletal issues. These results emphasize the need for targeted educational strategies and preventive interventions to improve postural awareness and promote healthy practices among future physical therapy professionals.