Factors Associated with Reduced Perceived Access to Physiotherapy Services among People with Low Back Disorders

To explore which socio-demographic, clinical, and other factors are associated with reduced perceived access to physiotherapy among people with low back disorders. 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. 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. 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.