title: Factors Associated with Reduced Perceived Access to Physiotherapy Services among People with Low Back Disorders.
abstract: Purpose:To explore which socio-demographic, clinical, and other factors are associated with reduced perceived access to physiotherapy among people with low back disorders.Methods:A cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate perceived access to physiotherapy services in a convenience sample of 111 people with low back disorders presenting to a spinal triage service. Participants were asked whether they felt that they had reduced access to physiotherapy as a result of cost, wait time, or location. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore the association between perceived access to physiotherapy and a range of socio-demographic, clinical, and other factors.Results:Overall reduced perceived access to physiotherapy was reported by 27.9% of the sample; 13.5% reported reduced access resulting from cost, 9.9% from wait time, and 10.8% from location. A variety of socio-demographic and clinical variables were found to be associated with reduced perceived access, including the presence of other health conditions, rural residence, and no prior physiotherapy use.Conclusion:Perceived access to physiotherapy among people with low back disorders may be associated with a diverse range of factors. Further research is required to determine the relationship between these variables and actual use of physiotherapy services.
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.
authors.forename: Brenna
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bath
authors.affiliation: Pasqua Hospital, Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region.
authors.forename: Megan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jakubowski
authors.affiliation: Sherwood Park Sports Physiotherapy, Sherwood Park, Alta.
authors.forename: Darren
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mazzei
authors.affiliation: Mackie Physiotherapy, Saskatoon.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: McRae
authors.affiliation: Stapleford Physiotherapy & Rehab Clinic, Regina, Sask.
authors.forename: Natalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: McVittie
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stewart
authors.affiliation: School of Physical Therapy, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan.
authors.forename: Stacey Lovo
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Grona
keywords: health services accessibility; low back pain; survey