Professional values and perception of knowledge regarding professional ethics in physical therapy students: A STROBE compliant cross-sectional study

Abstract

Undergraduate students start the acquisition of a professional identity, and begin to achieve professional values and consciousness of an ethical behavior as future health professionals. The aim of this study was describe professional values and perception of knowledge regarding professional ethics of physical therapy students. A cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 351 students participated in the study. Professional values and perception of knowledge regarding professional ethics were assessed. Ethical approval was obtained from the University Ethics Review Board. The most important value was equity, while the least one was abnegation. The second educational year showed higher scores in importance of scientific quality (P =.010 vs first year), the third year in respect for life (P =.041 vs first year, respectively), and the fourth year in respect to patient's autonomy (P =.033 vs first year). First-year students showed lower scores in perception of knowledge regarding professional ethics (P