Table 1.
Selected Characteristics of Study Sample
| Variable | No. (%) of respondents (n=111) |
|---|---|
| Age <50 y | 51 (45.9) |
| Female | 54 (48.6) |
| Education: completed grade 12 or less | 50 (45.0) |
| Annual household income <$30,000 | 18* (17.1) |
| Rural residence | 73 (65.8) |
| Not working as a result of LBP | 21 (18.9) |
| LBP “caused by work” | 41 (36.9) |
| Past physiotherapy treatment of LBP | 63 (56.8) |
| Other health problems | |
| Bone, muscle, or joint problems | 70 (63.1) |
| Headaches | 42 (37.8) |
| Stomach or digestive problems | 29 (26.1) |
| Lung or breathing problems | 16 (14.4) |
| Two or more health problems (other than LBP) | 66 (59.5) |
| Triage recommendations | |
| Physiotherapy | 63 (56.8) |
| Diagnostic imaging | 30 (27.0) |
| Review by surgeon | 17 (15.3) |
*
Six respondents chose not to answer this question.
LBP=low back pain.