Awareness of Sustainable Development Goals among Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Egypt.

Mohamed, Esraa Zakarya; Hassan, Hania Hazem; Eid, Mohamed Hamed; Abdelazeem Shamma, Sara Khairy; Fathi, Mazin Mohamed; Tolba, Omar Mohamed; Mohamed, Hager Moner

doi:10.21608/ijtau.2025.452367

Awareness of Sustainable Development Goals among Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Egypt.

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

¹ fourth year student at Faculty of Physical Therapy, Banha university

² Fourth year physiotherapy student at Faculty of physical therapy Benha university

³ Fourth year physiotherapy student at faculty of physical therapy Benha university

⁴ Fifth year student at Faculty of Physical therapy, Banha University

⁵ Third year student at Faculty of Physical Therapy Benha University

10.21608/ijtau.2025.452367

Abstract

Background
Physical therapy plays a key role in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) by promoting health and enhancing work capacity. However, limited research has explored physiotherapy students' awareness of this role. This study aimed to assess the awareness and attitudes of physiotherapy students at Benha University regarding the contributions of physical therapy to achieving the SDGs.

Methods
A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted from December 6, 2024, to January 6, 2025, among physiotherapy students at Benha University, Egypt. The questionnaire was developed based on validated studies and modified for context. It was divided into three sections: demographics, general awareness of sustainable development, and the role of physical therapy in achieving SDGs. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were used to assess the questionnaire’s validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 28.
Results
The majority of the students were females (70% females, mean age 21.1±2.1 years). Overall awareness of sustainable development was low (median score 2.0, IQR: 1.0–3.0). Awareness of physical therapy’s role in sustainable development was generally high (median attitude score 29.0, IQR: 26.0–31.0). No significant differences were found based on gender, age, or academic year.
Conclusion
This study assessed physiotherapy students’ awareness of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the role of physical therapy in achieving them. Among 333 students surveyed, awareness of SDGs was generally low, although attitudes toward physiotherapy’s contribution were positive. Findings highlight the need to integrate sustainability education into physiotherapy curricula to strengthen health professionals’ roles in global development.

Keywords