Introduction: Physical therapists (PTs) have been called to action to address the chronic disease burden in the United States by incorporating health promotion, wellness, and disease prevention (HPWP) topics in practice. To date, irregular HPWP inclusion in practice has been reported, though few studies have viewed incorporating topics aside from physical activity. Methods: A non-experimental cross-sectional survey design was used to assess the frequency of HPWP inclusion specifically, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and tobacco cessation, with patients in general outpatient physical therapy practice. Factors associated with including each HPWP topic and all topics holistically were also investigated. PTs were asked to answer questions related to the discussion of HPWP topics with patients during initial patient evaluations and personal knowledge, beliefs, and barriers to inclusion. Results: The frequency of HPWP inclusion and significant factors related to inclusion were noted. Aside from the frequent inclusion of physical activity, holistic and other topic inclusion was notably less. Chi-square analysis was performed to determine relationships, with a Cramer’s V to assess effect size. Significant relationships were noted between beliefs about the inclusion of tobacco cessation and sleep and the inclusion of these topics in conversations. Depth of HPWP knowledge was also strongly associated with sleep as well as stress management conversations with patients. Barriers to HPWP topic inclusion included lack of reimbursement, inappropriate work environment, and lack of employer support. Conclusion: Findings support the need to explore these findings further and consider developing HPWP education for PTs.
Key Words: health promotion, wellness, prevention, physical therapy