KNOWLEDGE OF BACK CARE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH EXPERIENCE OF LOW BACK PAIN AND DISABILITY AMONG NIGERIAN ADULTS

Odebiyi D.¹, Akinpelu A.¹, Balogun S.², Alonge T.³

¹University of Lagos, Physiotherapy, Lagos, Nigeria, ²Nigerian Back School, Lagos, Nigeria, ³University of Ibadan/University College Hospital, Orthopaedic & Trauma, Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Low back pain is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal condition, and one of the conditions that clinicians frequently manage during their years of practice. It is usually associated with disability and its economic implication cannot be overemphasised. Back Care Knowledge (BCK) in the form of back school is one of the health care programmes for LBP, and has been reported to be capable reducing referral for physiotherapy.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine whether knowledge about back pain and back pain prevention is associated with LBP and disability in Nigerian adults.

Methods: One hundred and thirty (130) newly referred patients with Non-specific LBP participated in this study (Men = 48%; women = 52%; mean age 48 years). Perception of LBP and disability were assessed using the visual analogue scale and Rolland Morris disability questionnaire respectively. Back care knowledge (BCK) was assessed using a 40-item BCK questionnaire. Linear regression analysis was used to test association of BCK score with report of LBP and disability.

Results: Mean pain, disability and BCK score was 6.2 (SD 2.0), 42.9 (SD 22.1), and 21.7 (SD 8.2) respectively. Increase in BCK score was significantly associated with decrease in LBP (β = – 0.05, 95% CI: –0.09, – 0.01, P =0.020), and disability (β = – 0.79, 95% CI: –1.25, – 0.34, P =0.001). After adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, history of LBP, and level of education, the association between BCK and disability remained significant (β = – 0.62, 95% CI: –1.10, – 0.15, P =0.011). We observed no significant association between BCK score and LBP (β = – 0.04, 95% CI: – 0.08, 0.01, P =0.082) after adjusting for potential confounders.

Conclusion(s): Back care knowledge, in the form of Back school, may be important in reducing pain-related disability in patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

Implications: These findings highlight the need for health professionals to prioritize patients’ education in the management of Non-Specific Low Back Pain.

Funding acknowledgements: Self sponsored

Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine

Ethics approval: University of Ibadan and University College Hospital (i.e. UI/UCH) Institutional Review Committee (UI/IRC/03/0068).

All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.