Attitudes and Beliefs Toward Non-Specific Neck Pain Among Physiotherapists in Jordan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Physiotherapists' attitudes and beliefs play a crucial role in the management and treatment outcomes of non-specific neck pain (NSNP).

Objective: To investigate the attitudes and beliefs of physiotherapists in Jordan towards NSNP, and to identify factors influencing these attitudes and beliefs.

Methods: A Cross-sectional survey of registered physiotherapists working in Jordan was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the attitudes and beliefs of physiotherapists towards NSNP. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used.

Results: A total of 301 PTs completed the survey, 155 females (51.56%). Most respondents held bachelor's degrees, with an average of 9.5 ± 6.6 experience years. The total score for PABS-PT (Z = 11.4, p < 0.001) and its BM (Z = +11.9, p < 0.001) and PS (Z = 3.6, p < 0. 001) subscales were significantly positive. The score of the biomedical subscale was more significantly positive than psychosocial subscale. The treatment orientation was positively correlated with education level, and negatively with age and experience. The most reported treatments were manual therapy followed by general exercises and electrical modalities. No significant relationship was observed between treatment orientation and treatment selection.

Conclusion: This study created the initial profile for pain attitudes and beliefs in Jordan. Physiotherapists hold positive attitudes and beliefs towards the NSNP treatment orientations with a superiority of the BM approach. Engaging educational sectors and stakeholders in the current situation of PTs' attitudes and beliefs is important.

Keywords: cervical pain; opinions; pain management; surveys and questionnaires; treatment approach.