Abstract
Background: Chiropractors are commonly known as the primary care providers for patients with low back pain. In the past the main model for treatment used by health professionals was the biomedical model. However, it has been established that not only biological factors fully explains the cause of low back pain with associated disability, but psychological, social and organisational constructs should also be included in the management approach of low back pain. The biopsychosocial model is regarded as the best approach used by practitioners in the management of low back pain patients and is obtaining a wider recognition worldwide. Although there has been much research done regarding what conditions chiropractors come across in practice, there is very little research done with regards to the effects of the attitudes and beliefs of the practitioners regarding their treatment preference that may promote better outcomes and decrease the prevalence of associated disability of the patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes and beliefs of South-African chiropractors, specifically from the Western Cape, with regards to their preference either of biomedical or biopsychosocial approach to the management of back pain. A secondary aim was to investigate whether the demographic variables had an effect on the preference of the practitioners approach to treatment. Method: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative and explorative study using QuestionPro with the help of the Statkon Department at the University of Johannesburg in the form of an online survey. The Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists questionnaire was used and distributed in March 2021 via email to all chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa in the Western Cape. This tool was developed to determine the treatment orientation of practitioners with regards to their management approach of either biomedical or biopsychosocial with low back pain patients. The questionnaire also included demographic questions in order to determine if age, gender, educational institution and years of experience had an influence on the practitioners’ treatment preference...
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)