Abstract

BackgroundChronic low back pain is a serious global health problem. There is substantial evidence that physicians’ attitudes towards and beliefs about chronic low back pain can influence their subsequent management of the condition.Objectives(1) to evaluate the attitudes and beliefs towards chronic low back pain among primary care physicians in Asia; (2) to study the cultural differences and other factors that are associated with these attitudes and beliefs.MethodA cross sectional online survey was sent to primary care physicians who are members of the Hong Kong College of Family Physician (HKCFP). The Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapist (PABS-PT) was used as the questionnaire to determine the biomedical and biopsychosocial orientation of the participants.ResultsThe mean Biomedical (BM) score was 34.8+/-6.1; the mean biopsychosocial (BPS) score was 35.6 (+/- 4.8). Both scores were higher than those of European doctors. Family medicine specialists had a lower biomedical score than General practitioners. Physicians working in the public sector tended to have low BM and low BPS scores; whereas physicians working in private practice tended to have high BM and high BPS scores.ConclusionThe lack of concordance in the pain explanatory models used by private and public sector may have a detrimental effect on patients who are under the care of both parties. The uncertain treatment orientation may have a negative influence on patients’ attitudes and beliefs, thus contributing to the tension and, perhaps, even ailing mental state of a person with chronic LBP.

Highlights

  • Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a serious global public health problem

  • There is substantial evidence that physicians’ attitudes towards and beliefs about chronic low back pain can influence their subsequent management of the condition

  • A systematic review estimated that the global point prevalence of non-specific low back pain was approximately 11.9 ± 2.0% [4]

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Summary

Introduction

Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a serious global public health problem. It is considered to be the leading cause of absence from work and limitation of activity all over the world [1]. It is defined as pain or discomfort between the costal margins and the gluteal folds, with or without leg pain, which lasts for more than 12 weeks [2]. Chronic low back pain condition has been estimated to cost 2% of the gross domestic product in developed countries [6, 7]. Chronic low back pain is a serious global health problem.

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