2.1. Design and materials
A cross-sectional descriptive survey with a self-administered
questionnaire was conducted using the STROBE cross-sectional reporting
guidelines 27 from May 23 to June 6, 2020. The format
of this questionnaire was proved successful in previous studies of
physiotherapy management for LBP 6,13. Before
distribution, the questionnaire was piloted with a convenient 20
Bangladeshi physiotherapists. These physiotherapists were asked to give
their opinion regarding the questionnaire format, its content, wording,
instructions, and ease of completion. The questionnaire was slightly
revised as the feedback given.
The content of the questionnaire was divided into three parts. In the
first part, the respondent was asked about their demographic and
professional background. In the second part, physiotherapists were asked
to provide details on their current intervention choices in the
management of patients with LBP. The final part consisted of information
about the use of x-ray for LBP diagnosis, patient type, and
self-reported cure rate of LBP patients.
2.2. Inclusion-exclusion criteria and ethical
consideration
Registered graduate physiotherapists who are currently living and
practicing in Bangladesh, age 18-65 years, see a minimum of one LBP
patient per day in their practice, willing to participate in this study
were the inclusion criteria. We exclude who are registered in Bangladesh
but currently living or practicing outside of Bangladesh, age more than
65 years. Voluntary informed consent was taken from all the
participants.
We have taken prospective observational trial registration from the
World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed Clinical Trial Registry- India
(CTRI/2020/05/025313 [Registered on 22/05/2020]). The ethical review
committee of Uttara Adhunik Medical College and Hospital has also
approved the study.