Are healthcare providers offering the proper education for people with low back pain? Content analysis of educational materials.

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent disorder and leading cause of disability worldwide. In Saudi Arabia, patients with LBP are dispensed with educational materials to supposedly facilitate their recuperation.

Objective: Appraise the suitability of educational materials provided for people with LBP in Saudi Arabia to determine whether they meet the needs of patients, inform self-management, and are consistent with clinical practice guidelines.

Methods: A qualitative data collection method was used, and content analyses were conducted to analyse data based on manifest content. Educational items in English and Arabic were collected from relevant health providers in Saudi Arabia.

Results: Seventeen educational materials were sourced from: Ministry of Health hospitals (n= 10), military hospitals (n= 4), private hospitals (n= 2), and a multidisciplinary healthcare association (n= 1). Six identified sub-themes comprise: epidemiological/anatomical data about LBP (n= 6); causes/risk factors (n= 10); exercise (n= 14) and physical activity-related (n= 3) recommendations; treatment-related recommendations (n= 2); general health and lifestyle-related recommendations (n= 8); and postural and ergonomics-related recommendations (n= 13). A common theme emerged, that 'the content of educational materials hindered reassurance and self-management for people with LBP.'

Conclusion: The reviewed educational materials fail to adequately report information that assure patients or inform their self-management among the Saudi population with LBP. Further, reviewed items are heavily influenced by the biomedical model of pain.