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Knowledge and integration of social determinants of health among physiotherapists in Spain: a cross-sectional study #MMPMID41345590
Torija-Lopez L; Abuin-Porras V; Recio-Vivas AM; Mansilla-Dominguez JM
BMC Public Health 2025[Dec]; ? (?): ? PMID41345590show ga
BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDH) significantly influence morbidity, mortality, and health equity. Although physiotherapy in Spain is mandated to address biopsychosocial factors, little is known about physiotherapists' knowledge and integration of SDH into practice. OBJECTIVE: To describe Spanish physiotherapists' knowledge of SDH, their perceived relationship to health, and the extent to which these determinants are integrated into clinical practice. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted using an ad hoc online questionnaire based on the PROGRESS-Plus framework and adapted from previous validated instruments. A convenience sample of registered physiotherapists in Spain was recruited via professional associations and social media (June-July 2023). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and association tests were performed. RESULTS: Of 456 respondents, 412 met eligibility criteria (59% women; 44.7% =10 years' experience). While 89.3% had heard of SDH, only 11.7% had received specific training. Occupation (8.78 +/- 1.21), social support (8.74 +/- 1.31), and socioeconomic status (8.54 +/- 1.61) were perceived as most strongly related to health, whereas sexual orientation (3.31 +/- 3.07), religion (4.51 +/- 2.80), and gender (6.16 +/- 2.63) ranked lowest. Values are expressed as mean +/- standard deviation (SD). Integration into clinical practice was generally lower than perceived relevance, with the highest for occupation (8.68 +/- 1.39) and the lowest for sexual orientation (1.45 +/- 2.42). Perceived relevance and integration were positively correlated (rho = 0.353-0.556, all p < 0.001). Higher integration was associated with postgraduate SDH training, prior community health activity, and higher perceived relevance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Spanish physiotherapists recognize certain SDH, particularly occupation, social support, and socioeconomic status, as highly relevant to health, but often underintegrate them into clinical reasoning-especially determinants such as sexual orientation, religion, and gender. Findings suggest that postgraduate training and community activities are associated with higher integration; these may be targets for future interventions.These strategies could strengthen the biopsychosocial approach in physiotherapy, improve equity in patient care, and align practice with public health priorities.