Physiotherapists and Unionism in Nigeria's Health Sector: A Romance or Unequal Yoke?

Abstract

Dissatisfaction with imposed or self-limitations seems to drive Nigerian physiotherapists into unionism in order to attain individual and professional  ends. This study assessed knowledge, perception and satisfaction of Nigerian physiotherapists with trade unionism in the health sector. Using a  mixed-method design, qualitative interviews and quantitative cross-sectional survey were conducted among ten purposively selected and 289  consenting physiotherapists respectively. Thematic content analysis was used for the qualitative data, while descriptive and inferential statistics  were used for the quantitative data at 0.05 alpha level. Five major themes comprising physiotherapists’ support for unionism, ethics and  professionalism, activism and militancy, current and prospective alliances, and the possible role of Doctor of Physical Therapy as an equaliser for  rights and privileges in the health sector emerged. 79.9% to 92.7% were familiar with the different trade unions and professional bodies in the  Nigerian Health Sector. 74.8% of the respondents were satisfied with the involvement of physiotherapists in trade unions, as it was considered good  for the welfare of the profession (91%), important for job security (85.4%) and provides the avenue for collective bargaining needed to achieve  professional goals (80.6%). Most Nigerian physiotherapists supported and were active in the unions in the Nigerian Health Sector. However, there  were divided opinions on whether the current alliances between physiotherapy association and other unions in the health sector are downgrading  to the profession’s status and image. Nigerian physiotherapists were controverted over physiotherapists playing the number one person in a  number two position or number two person in a number one position.