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Knowledge and awareness of occupational therapy and associated factors among healthcare professionals in Rwanda: a cross-sectional study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background Occupational therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession that supports health and wellbeing by enabling individuals to engage in daily activities. In many low- and middle-income countries, including Rwanda, limited awareness and knowledge of OT among healthcare professionals (HCPs) hinder collaboration and access to services. Therefore, this study aimed to determine HCPs’ awareness and knowledge of OT and identify associated factors. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 201 HCPs from five teaching hospitals in Rwanda. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Knowledge and Attitude Toward OT Practice Tool. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors associated with awareness and knowledge of OT. Associations were reported using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs), and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Of the 201 HCPs, 102 (50.7%) were female, 74 (36.8%) were aged 31–40 years, and 40 (19.9%) were mental health nurses. Overall, 151 (75.1%) participants were aware of OT, while more than half ( n = 104, 51.7%) exhibited poor knowledge. Physiotherapists [aOR = 6.3, 95% CI (1.6–25.5), p = 0.010], general nurses [aOR = 5.6, 95% CI (1.7–18.1), p = 0.004], and mental health nurses [aOR = 5.8, 95% CI (1.8–18.7), p = 0.003] reported higher likelihoods of awareness of OT than medical doctors. Awareness of OT was significantly associated with working in habilitation/rehabilitation services [aOR = 3.8, 95% CI (1.9–7.5), p < 0.001] and positive perceptions of OT. Similarly, good knowledge of OT was associated with profession, previous professional practice outside Rwanda, awareness of OT, and a positive perception of OT. Specifically, physiotherapists [aOR = 8.2, 95% CI (2.5–27.0), p = 0.001], ophthalmic clinical officers [aOR = 8.6, 95% CI (1.5–49.4), p = 0.016], general nurses [aOR = 3.2, 95% CI (1.2–8.6), p = 0.024], and mental health nurses [aOR = 2.7, 95% CI (1.1–7.3), p = 0.045] had higher odds of good knowledge of OT than medical doctors. Conclusion Although awareness of OT was relatively high among HCPs, more than half demonstrated poor knowledge of the profession. Greater awareness and knowledge were associated with professional background, involvement in habilitation or rehabilitation services, previous professional practice outside Rwanda, direct experience working with occupational therapists, and positive perceptions of OT. Considering these results, our study highlights the need for strengthening interprofessional education and continuing professional development to improve understanding and integration of OT within the Rwandan healthcare system.

Source: Frontiers in Medicine

DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2026.1722607