Relation between patients' beliefs and knowledge about low back pain

Abstract

Introduction: Patients' beliefs about the Low Back Pain (LBP) can significantly affect their behavior and play an important role in the recovery process. Negative beliefs on LBP make it possible to predict more severe pain, higher disability levels, as well as chronicity. Patients' knowledge about LBP is important factor following treatment guidelines and changing negative attitudes and beliefs. Purpose: To assess the relationships between patients' beliefs and knowledge about LBP Method: The study was completed by 102 outpatients (51.2 ± 12.6 years) with nonspecific LBP, the majority - women (83.3%). During research were used Low Back pain knowledge questionnaire (LKQ) divided into three topics (general aspects, concepts, treatment) and Back Pain Beliefs questionnaire consisting of five sections (disease outcomes, perceived severity, perceived benefits, self – efficacy, perceived barriers), based on Health Belief Model constructs. Results: It was determined, that the overall belief score statistically significantly correlated with the knowledge overall score (rho = 0.319; p = 0.001), as well as general aspects (rho = 0.256; p = 0.009), concepts (rho = 0,314; p = 0,001), treatment (rho = 0,205; p = 0,039). Assessing specific aspects of beliefs, a statistically significant correlation was found between the overall knowledge score and the estimate of disease outcomes (rho = 0,270; p = 0,006), perceived severity (rho = 0,210; p = 0,034), perceived benefits (rho = 0,270; p = 0,002). There is no significant correlation between[...].