Qualitative research in physiotherapy: A systematic mapping review of 20 years literature from sub-Saharan Africa

To summarize the current state and quality of qualitative research conducted by physiotherapists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We systematically searched multiple databases from 2000 to December 2020 and included peer-reviewed qualitative studies conducted by physiotherapists in SSA countries. Two re...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physiotherapy theory and practice 2023-04, Vol.39 (4), p.704-726
Main Authors: Kalu, Michael, Okoh, Augustine, Okeke, Chukwuebuka, Anieto, Ebuka, Ibekaku, Michael, Abaraogu, Ukachukwu
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Citations
Content analysis
Disability
Disabled Persons
Humans
Literature reviews
Mapping
Physical Therapists
Physical therapy
physiotherapists
Physiotherapy
Qualitative Research
Reflexivity
South Africa
Sports
sub-Saharan Africa
systematic mapping review
Teams
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Summary:To summarize the current state and quality of qualitative research conducted by physiotherapists in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We systematically searched multiple databases from 2000 to December 2020 and included peer-reviewed qualitative studies conducted by physiotherapists in SSA countries. Two reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies using the 45-items checklist by Lundgren, and colleagues. Conventional content analysis was employed to create physiotherapy subject areas from the included studies. We included 114 studies, a majority of 84 (74%) conducted in South Africa. Included studies were categorized into five subject areas: sports (n = 2), disability (n = 16), professional practice (n = 24), education and training (n = 36), and care provision (n = 36). We rated 74 (65%), 29 (25%), and 11 (10%) of the included research as low reporting quality, moderate- and high reporting quality, respectively. There was a significant lack of reporting on researchers' team characteristics, reflexivity, and member checking. We conclude that the reporting of published qualitative studies in SSA shows variable quality, albeit mostly low, focused mainly on care provision, education, and training. Physiotherapy-researchers are encouraged to report reflexive practice and member checking when conducting qualitative research.
ISSN:0959-3985
1532-5040
DOI:10.1080/09593985.2022.2028952