This study aimed to explore the diagnosis-related beliefs of Filipinos with CLBP who are currently seeking physiotherapy treatment in a public tertiary hospital setting. Specifically, it sought to understand how patients perceived their diagnosis and the role of healthcare professionals in management. By investigating patients' perspectives about their condition and treatment expectations, the study identified key areas where educational interventions could be tailored to better meet the needs of this population.
This qualitative research study with an interpretive descriptive approach was conducted in a large teaching hospital in Manila, Philippines. The study used semi-structured telephone interviews to gather in-depth insights into participants' experiences and beliefs. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring themes and subthemes related to participants' understanding of their diagnosis and expectations from healthcare providers.
Participants were 7 people with non-specific CLBP aged 38 to 58 years and reporting pain scale intensities 6/10 to 10/10 (female=5, college graduate=3, unemployed=4, and low socioeconomic background=5). The key themes were: (1) Beliefs about the causes of back pain; (2) Experiences related to back pain; (3) Actions and responses to pain; and (4) Perceptions of helpful interventions.
Participants attributed their back pain to structural damage, like disc, bone, and sciatic nerve injuries, believing it could lead to future disability if unmanaged. In this study, two findings unique to Filipinos with CLBP were identified. One unique finding was the belief that cold and damp weather exacerbated back pain, which may have consequently influenced their treatment choices such as preference for heating modalities and avoidance of cold. Another distinct finding was the role of faith and religion. The participants considered prayer as a form of treatment to manage CLBP.
When developing education resources for patients with CLBP, clinicians may include information that integrates the beliefs and understanding of Filipinos with CLBP to make the education resources more suitable, relevant, and fit to the Filipino context.
Healthcare practitioners and educators should incorporate culturally relevant information into educational materials for CLBP. For example, clinicians may inform people with CLBP who are hypersensitive to cold and damp weather about modifiable environmental factors for better symptom management. Further, clinicians may acknowledge faith and prayer as means of encouraging positive coping mechanisms. Future research should emphasize the co-development of educational materials with patient partners to enhance the relevance, acceptability, and effectiveness of interventions for CLBP.
culturally and linguistically diverse populations
self-management
