Predictors of Success for African Black Physiotherapy Students in South Africa

High school performance and aptitude tests are usually used to predict success at university, but this may not be applicable when the ethnic group of the student is considered. The aim of this study was to investigate factors that predict success of African black students in physiotherapy programmes and whether these factors are influenced by race. A mixed methods approach was used. One hundred and twenty eight graduates who graduated between 2000 and 2005 from eight universities in South Africa and six Heads of Physiotherapy Departments participated in the research. A postal questionnaire comprising closed and open-ended questions was used for graduate and in-depth interviews were conducted with Heads of Departments. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analysis as well as inferential statistics using Chi square tests and logistic regression. Qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Of the participants, 59% of the African black students were successful compared to 90% of the white students. A significant association was found between race and success with factors such as sharing a residence room, obtaining information about university support systems from classmates, feeling part of the group of classmates and choosing physiotherapy as the first choice of career being predictors of success. Students also highlighted determination to succeed and become a physiotherapist, financial and family support, and a favourable learning environment to contribute to success. HOD interviews associated adequate knowledge about the physiotherapy profession, proficiency in the language of instruction, academic discipline, relevant support and integration in the class with success. It is recommended that matriculation results should not be the only predictors of success but tertiary institutions should consider broader factors such as residential accommodation and a supportive learning environment.