JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Social media has become a significant channel for healthcare professionals' ongoing education and professional development. Among these platforms, "X" (formerly Twitter) is increasingly used by physiotherapists for engaging in evidence-based discussions and accessing current research. In Saudi Arabia, one of the countries with the highest social media penetration, the platform offers unique opportunities and challenges for physiotherapy-related knowledge acquisition and networking.

Objective:

The objective of our study was to determine how physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia engage with physiotherapy-related debates on "X," explore their usage patterns, and identify associated challenges and perceived professional benefits.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of licensed physiotherapists registered with the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties. The questionnaire covered demographic data, social media usage, interaction patterns, perceived challenges, and motivational factors. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to examine associations between demographic variables and engagement levels. Statistical significance was set at p <.05.

Results:

Out of 193 responses, 188 participants met inclusion criteria. Most respondents were female (58%) and aged 31–40 years (42%), with 76% reporting active accounts on "X." Time spent on professional posts varied, with 32.87% engaging for 4–6 hours per week. Interaction levels were moderate, with 35.66% reporting occasional participation. The most frequent content engagement was observed for knowledge sharing (72.34%), followed by training/workshops (66.66%). Challenges included difficulty in finding reliable information (52.45%), time constraints (40.56%), communication barriers (48.25%), and conflicts of interest (51.74%). Despite these concerns, many physiotherapists acknowledged the platform's value: 65% agreed it helps them stay updated on emerging research, and 68.5% believed it fosters knowledge sharing and critical thinking within the profession.

Conclusions:

Physiotherapists in Saudi Arabia demonstrated active engagement with "X" via diverse types of content for professional development. While the platform offers valuable opportunities for learning and collaboration, notable barriers such as information credibility and time limitations must be addressed. Enhancing digital literacy and establishing clear guidelines for professional social media use may help maximize the platform’s potential as a tool for continuous development in physiotherapy practice. Clinical Trial: N/A