Damush TM, Weinberger M, Clark DO, Tierney WM, Rao JK, Perkins SM, Verel K.
Acute low back pain self-management intervention for urban primary care patients: rationale, design,
and predictors of participation. Arthritis Rheum 2002;47(4):372-9.
OBJECTIVES: To describe the rationale and design of a self-management program for low-income, urban, primary care patients with
acute low back pain. Issues related to recruitment and protocol delivery, and attendance patterns and predictors of program
attendance are described.
METHODS: Two hundred eleven adult patients (73% female; 60% African American) were recruited from primary care neighborhood
health centers. Focus groups were conducted for program development, and participants then completed a baseline interview
and were randomized into groups receiving either usual care or a self-management intervention.
RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of the intervention group attended the self-management class. Significant predictors of
attendance included being older, reporting less income, and not working for pay. Attendees did not differ from nonattendees
on back pain severity, symptoms, health-related quality of life, self-management processes, or satisfaction with care.
CONCLUSION: Effective minimal-contact behavioral interventions are needed to reach larger portions of the patient population.
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