Perceptions and beliefs of the general population regarding low back pain: a cross-sectional study

• Grant number: 23/16509-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Crystian Bitencourt Soares de Oliveira
• Grantee: Jennifer Guedes de Arantes
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Background: Many individuals present distorted behaviors resulting from beliefs and feelings experienced by chronic low back pain. The misperception of some patients and the difficulty of communication have become a major barrier to the effective treatment of low back pain and often the treatment preached by the guidelines places a therapy based on the choice of the patient and the beliefs based on experiences hinder the progress of the treatment. For this reason, this study becomes relevant to improve people's knowledge about low back pain and try to reduce the costs related to inappropriate care.Objectives: To evaluate the perception and belief of the general population regarding the treatment and diagnosis of low back pain.Methods: This cross-sectional design study will follow the STROBE recommendations. Brazilian adults over 18 years of age, of both sexes, will be recruited for this study. Data collection will take place through an online assessment, where an additional series of questions about the knowledge regarding the management of low back pain and attitudes of health professionals will be collected. Data analysis will be performed using descriptive statistics, in addition to analysis with linear regressions to determine the factors that may be associated with specific beliefs related to low back pain.Key-words: low back pain, perception, beliefs, epidemiology.