Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs on contributing factors among low back pain patients attending outpatient physiotherapy treatment in Malawi
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Date
2017
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) affects many people globally. Its aetiology is not clear.
Patients lack knowledge of its contributing factors and have negative perception about their
LBP. This study aimed to identify knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding the perceived
contributing factors to LBP among patients attending physiotherapy outpatient departments
in Malawi. This information can possibly facilitate planning of a LBP education programme
in Malawi.
METHODS: A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted, using a six-part selfadministered
questionnaire with questions on demographic information, participants’
attitudes and beliefs regarding their LBP, knowledge about the course and causes of LBP,
beliefs regarding nine contributing factors to LBP (identified in a Delphi study) and the sources
of the participants’ knowledge. Data were analysed descriptively using the Statistical Package
for Social Sciences (version 19.0). A Chi-square test was used to determine any association
between variables (alpha 0.05). All ethical procedures were strictly followed.
RESULTS: Most participants (186, 91.2 %) did not manage to answer all six questions regarding
knowledge correctly and were regarded as ‘partially knowledgeable’ about the course and
causes of LBP. More than half (67%) portrayed negative attitudes and beliefs about LBP in
general. The findings also showed a statistically significant relationship between knowledge,
attitudes and beliefs (p = 0.04).
CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that many patients with LBP in Malawi are not adequately
knowledgeable about LBP and hold negative attitudes and beliefs regarding their LBP.
Therefore, LBP management programmes in Malawi should include education programmes
aimed at empowering patients with knowledge regarding LBP, as well as changing their
negative attitudes and beliefs about their pain. Patients’ understanding of the cause and nature
of their pain may enhance the achievement of treatment goals.
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Keywords
Low back pain (LBP), Outpatient, Physiotherapy, Treatment