Do individuals' beliefs vary based on low back pain (LBP) experience or health care professional exposure for LBP care?

Abstract

Background Maladaptive beliefs about low back pain (LBP) are associated with increased pain levels and may impede recovery from LBP episode. The objective of this study was to assess the Saudis' LBP-related beliefs and attitudes related to their LBP experience and health care professional (HCP) exposure. The secondary objective was to examine the psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) related to their LBP experience and HCP exposure. Methods This study was a cross-sectional online survey which included Saudis adults with or without LBP. The LBP-related beliefs and attitudes were assessed using the Back Pain Attitudes Questionnaire (Back-PAQ). The psychological status and HRQoL were measured using the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-12 (DASS-12) and 12-item Short Form (SF-12), respectively. Results There were 598 people (median age [IQR]: 30 [16]) responded to the survey invitation (419 of them had LBP). Of those who have LBP, 22% visited HCP for LBP. There were no significant differences found in LBP-related beliefs when comparing people with LBP with those without LBP (p = 0.744). There were no significant differences found in LBP-related beliefs, psychological distress, or HRQoL, when comparing LBP individuals who visited HCPs with those who did not. Compared to those with LBP, people without LBP had significantly better HRQoL and lower psychological distress. Conclusion Respondents experiencing LBP held the same negative beliefs as those who were not experiencing LBP. No differences in LBP-related beliefs were found between people who visited HCP and those who did not seek care.