title: Characterisation of physiotherapy needs in a rural community in South Eastern Nigeria.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The majority of the populace in Nigeria resides in rural areas, where there is difficulty in accessing rehabilitation services. Rural dwellers are often poor and marginalized, and have been reported to have a high level of disability and functional dependence. They may therefore be in need of rehabilitation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess and characterize physiotherapy needs in a rural community of South Eastern Nigeria.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 400 individuals participated in this population-based cross-sectional study which included 'household members' aged 0-5 years and 12 years and above, involving 12 randomly selected villages from Nkanu West Local Government of South Eastern Nigeria. Distribution of the questionnaire was done by hand on a one-on-one basis, using the interviewer style. Information on infants and children was obtained from the heads of the households.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and ninety six (49.0%) reported ambulatory problems; the problem were mostly associated with the spine 75 (18.8%), multiple joints 51(12.8%) and lower limbs 43 (10.8%) respectively. The highest developmental deficit was reported at three years 6 (18.7%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is need to provide affordable community based rehabilitation (physiotherapy) outfits in this community.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science and Technology, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Chinonso Nwamaka
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Igwesi-Chidobe
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Daniel Oluwafemi
authors.initials: DO
authors.lastname: Odebiyi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Udoka A Chris
authors.initials: UA
authors.lastname: Okafor
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires