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The undergraduate physiotherapy program at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, aims to respond to global and national health needs across levels of care, with a focus on primary care. Ideally, contemporary health professionals' education focuses on a holistic approach that extends beyond addressing a patient's medical diagnosis. In South Africa, however, this approach also needs to address the country's colonial past by emphasizing decolonialization and social justice. Within this context, novel competencies are required to serve South Africans consistent with comprehensive health and disability frameworks based on the biopsychosocial approach such as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. As physiotherapy educators at the University of the Witwatersrand, we describe the rationale for the current public health and community physiotherapy curriculum in the context of decolonialization and social justice and provide an overview of the curriculum. Narrative approach. Our curriculum is an example of a response to the 21st-century health needs of the South African population and the specific global and universal policies, philosophies, and principles that influence healthcare professionals and their service delivery. This curriculum prepares physiotherapy students to practice holistically, be responsive to health needs and contribute to decolonialization initiatives. Other programs may benefit from our experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate a knowledge translation intervention to determine knowledge, attitudes and self-efficacy related to HIV and rehabilitation advocacy in physiotherapy students. A pre and post-test study was conducted at three physiotherapy-training programs in Sub Saharan Africa – the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), the University of Zambia (UNZA) and Kenya Medical Technical College (KMTC). For each site, the knowledge, attitude and self-efficacy of physiotherapy students were tested pre- and post-intervention using a standardized questionnaire. Students' knowledge improved with regard to being able to describe the challenges faced by their patients, knowing what resources are available and understanding their role as an advocate. In terms of self-efficacy, they felt more confident clinically, as well as being a resource person to colleagues and an advocate for their patients. This study highlights the need to contextualize knowledge translation interventions to meet the unique needs of individual academic sites. Students who have clinical experience working with people living with HIV are more likely to embrace their role as advocates in the area of HIV and rehabilitation. The knowledge translation process used in this study gives a concrete example of how to use research evidence on HIV knowledge in rehabilitation applied within the advocacy process. Applying the principles of advocacy translates to understanding the management of HIV practically. Clinical experience in managing people living with HIV strengthens knowledge and improves the attitude of physiotherapy students Physiotherapy students need guidance in realizing their potential as advocates for holistic rehabilitation care for people living with HIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Most women experienced postmenopausal symptoms during the menopause transition, and they are a common reason for seeking medical attention and lifestyle modification during this phase of life. Objective: This study assessed the physical activity, lifestyle, and sociocultural levels-associated prevalence of excess weight (overweight and obesity) among postmenopausal women (PW) in Bono-East (Techiman) region, Ghana. Design: This is cross-sectional study. Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Bono-East regional capital, Techiman in Ghana over 5 months. Self-administered questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic data, physical activity, lifestyle, and sociocultural associated prevalence of excess weight. Anthropometric indices including ((body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR)) were assessed. Results: A total of 393 postmenopausal women with a mean age of 60.09 ± 6.24 years participated in the study. When reporting prevalence, obesity, and overweight were distinguished. Using the anthropometric parameters (BMI, WHtR, and WHR) as measured for being overweight, the prevalent rates were 35.7%, 21.7%, and 9.0% respectively. Also, when using obesity, the prevalent rate was 37.8%, 70.1%, and 82.0% using BMI, WHtR, and WHR, respectively. Over 55 (55.2%) of the study participants engaged in moderate physical activities, 23.1% were low and 21.7% with high physical activities. Housewives and unemployed participants are shown to have a higher risk of gaining weight (obese) especially when assessed with WHR and WHtR. Most participants responded that cultural beliefs prevent them from losing weight. Most participants had a poor attitude toward their eating habits. Conclusion: According to the findings, postmenopausal Ghanaian women showed a high level of obesity and a moderate level of being overweight. The cultural perception of beauty influences Ghanaian postmenopausal women's physical activity level and dietary habits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]