Exploring the Barriers and Facilitators for Female Physiotherapists to Work in Professional Sport in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Saudi female sports physiotherapists are essential to promote the field of sport and exercise medicine as per the Saudi Vision 2030. The Vision 2030 aims at modernising the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by achieving long-term goals, amongst which are improving women’s status. In particular, the 2030 vision aims at enhancing women’s health and fitness through fitness centres and encouraging greater participation in sports. However, the current scenario in Saudi Arabia is not conducive for women physiotherapists to work with professional sports teams and clubs.
Aim: The main aim of this study is to uncover the barriers and facilitators to female physiotherapists to work in professional sport in KSA. The study also aims at expelling the prior assumptions and beliefs that are often presented, identifying the facilitators and recognising recent changes in KSA by establishing the facts.
Method: Email requests to participate in the study was sent to relevant professionals in four institutions in KSA. Skype interviews were conducted until data saturation was achieved. In total, eight interviews were conducted. The interviews were conducted in Arabic language, as it facilitated the interviewees to express their thoughts without any hesitation and difficulty. The interview transcripts were transcribed and translated into English. The transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.
Result: Four overarching themes and 15 sub-themes were identified. The main themes are social factors, infrastructure, education and awareness, and economic factors.
Conclusion: The participants agreed that there is an acute shortage of female physiotherapists in professional sports. The significant barriers for this are the age-old traditional practices, restrictions placed by the family, and the lack of awareness. However, the research also revealed that the current scenario in Saudi Arabia is fast changing. Specialised courses, recognition for sports physiotherapists and economic benefits of employing more local workforce are all acting as a facilitator for women physiotherapists to work in professional sports.