@article{17337,
  author = {Ferreira P. and Smeets R. and Latimer Jane and Machado G. and Maher C. and Ferreira Manuela},
  title = {Factors defining care-seeking in low back pain--a meta-analysis of population based surveys},
  abstract = {<p>
Little is known about factors determining health care-seeking behavior in low back pain. While a number of studies have described general characteristics of health care utilization, only a few have aimed at appropriately assessing determinants of care-seeking in back pain, by comparing seekers and non-seekers. The objective of this systematic review was to identify determinants of health care-seeking in studies with well-defined groups of care-seekers and non-seekers with non-specific low back pain. A search was conducted in Medline, AMED, Cinahl, Web of Science, PsycINFO, National Research Register, Cochrane Library and LILACS looking for population- based surveys of non-specific low back pain patients older than 18 years, published since 1966. To be included in the review, studies needed to report on characteristics of well-defined groups of care-seekers and non-seekers. Methodological quality was assessed using a criteria list based on sampling, response rate, data reproducibility, power calculation and external validity. Risk estimates were expressed as odd ratios (95% confidence intervals). When possible, meta-analyses were performed, using a random effects model. Eleven studies were included in the review. Pooled results show that women are slightly more likely to seek care for their back pain as are patients with a previous history of back pain. Pain intensity was only slightly associated with care-seeking, whereas patients with high levels of disability were nearly eight times more likely to seek care than patients with lower levels of disability.
</p>
},
  year = {2009},
  journal = {European Journal of Pain},
  volume = {14},
  edition = {2009/12/29},
  number = {7},
  pages = {747 e1-7},
  isbn = {1532-2149 (Electronic)1090-3801 (Linking)},
  note = {Ferreira, Manuela LMachado, GustavoLatimer, JaneMaher, ChristopherFerreira, Paulo HSmeets, Rob JResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tEnglandEuropean journal of pain (London, England)Eur J Pain. 2010 Aug;14(7):747.e1-7. Epub 2009 Dec 24.},
  language = {eng},
}