Factors Influencing Number of Physiotherapy Treatment Sessions for Patients with Low Back Pain

Abstract

Little is known about the influence of physiotherapists’ characteristics and treatment modalities on the number of treatment sessions in Nigeria. This study was designed to evaluate the factors influencing the number of treatment sessions for patients with low back pain (LBP). Three hundred and eleven practising physiotherapists based in Nigeria participated in this study (77.8% response rate). They were required to complete a 31-item closed-ended questionnaire, which collected information on demographic data, work experience and treatment activities. Data was represented using bar charts, frequency and percentage. Chi-square was used to determine significant difference at p = 0.05. About 114 (38.10%) of the respondents employed 10 treatment sessions in the treatment of patients with LBP. Gender, age, areas of interest and educational attainment influenced the number of treatment sessions (p<0.05). Older male respondents, with higher educational attainment, especially those who are specialized in orthopaedics had fewer treatment sessions with their patients. However, working experience, acquisition of additional training (through continuous professional education) and types of treatment modalities did not have any significant relationship with number of treatment sessions (p>0.05). The average number of treatment sessions administered to patients with LBP before they are discharged in Nigeria is ten sessions. This was influenced by gender, age, areas of interest and educational attainment. There was a general consensus that a treatment guideline is needed for proper management of patients with LBP.