Knowledge, Awareness, and Practice of Evidence-Based Medicine among Indian Physiotherapists: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Evidence-based practice (EBP) is vital for delivering effective pa-tient-centered physiotherapy care. However, how physiotherapists understand and use EBP remains largely unknown. This nationwide study explored the awareness, knowledge, and day-to-day applica-tion of EBP, shedding light on the individual and professional factors that help or hinder its adoption. Materials and Methods: This nationwide cross-sectional study involved 2,966 physiotherapists across diverse regions of India and different professional settings (private clinics, government hospitals, home care, and academia). Participants completed an online survey using the Evidence-Based Practice Ques-tionnaire (EBPQ) to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and skills. Internal consistency. was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha, and multiple linear regression was used to identify the EBP predictors. Re-sults: The EBPQ showed good reliability (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.789). Overall, private-clinic physio-therapists (mean ± SD = 104.41 ± 9.82) and home care therapists (104.38 ± 9.16) scored highest on EBP, while those in government hospitals (101.83 ± 9.23) reported lower scores. Among the eight regions across India, Rajasthan achieved the highest EBP scores (104.20 ± 9.80) and other regions within a range from (104.20 ± 9.80 103.3 ± 9.30). Those with doctoral degrees outperformed all other groups (105.18 ± 10.20). Regression models (adjusted R² ≤ 0.044, p < 0.001) revealed that working in private settings (B = 0.958, p = 0.029) or in specific states (e.g., Chhattisgarh: B = 14.71, p = 0.030) predicted better EBP scores. Conclusions: Indian physiotherapists’ engagement in self-reported EBP was shaped by where they worked, their educational background, and region-specific factors. Private practitioners and those with PhD degrees appear to report high EBP. Tailored strategies ranging from local resource improvements to targeted professional education could foster more consistent and robust use of EBP, ultimately benefiting patients across India.