Abstract
This survey-based research was aimed at determining the factors associated with
low back pain, satisfaction levels, needs and suggestions regarding the service of the Bang
Pla Ma Hospital, Suphanburi Province. The sample comprised 347 patients undergoing
low back pain treatment more than once during the period October 1 to November 30,
2007. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire, analyzed and reported as frequency,
percentage and mean. Of the total number of patients, 64.3 percent were female (average 48 years and
married); 37.2 percent were graduated from primary school; 35.2 percent had a bachelor’s
degree. A good number of them were government officers (41.5%) and had moderate
salary (63.9%); those earning more than 20,000 Baht/month comprised 29.1 percent of the
total. Most the patients (56.8%) held the right of reimboursement and 34 percent had
rights under the health assurance scheme. Most of the low back pain occurred not only
when the patients lifted heavy objects using two hands while bending (49.9%), but also
when they had improper postures. They were mostly non-consumers of alcohol (81.8%)
and non-smokers (87.3%), and regularly exercised (65.1%). Patients had received health
education relating to low back pain, in particular using local heat massage (80.7%); however,
most had moderate knowledge about keeping healthy (61.4%). Patients were mostly
satisfied with Thai massage; the next highest level of satisfaction was among those taking
a prescription pill. Having treatments 1-3 times alleviated the symptoms of most patients.
Alternative medical therapies should be advised for patients with low back pain.
