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An internet-based approach to enhance self-management of chronic low back pain in the Italian-speaking population of Switzerland: results from a pilot study

Schulz, Peter ; Rubinell, Sara ; Hartung, Uwe

In: International Journal of Public Health, 2007, vol. 52, no. 5, p. 286-294

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    Titre
    • An internet-based approach to enhance self-management of chronic low back pain in the Italian-speaking population of Switzerland: results from a pilot study
    Auteur
    • Schulz, Peter. Institute of Communication and Health (ICH) School of Communication Sciences, University of Lugano, Via Buffi 15, 6904, Lugano, CH, Switzerland
    • Rubinell, Sara. Institute of Communication and Health (ICH) School of Communication Sciences, University of Lugano, Via Buffi 15, 6904, Lugano, CH, Switzerland
    • Hartung, Uwe. Institut für Demoskopie Allensbach, Allensbach, Germany
    Type de document
    • Postprint
    Langue
    • Anglais
    Publié dans
    • International Journal of Public Health, 2007, vol. 52, no. 5, p. 286-294. Birkhäuser-Verlag; www.birkhäuser.ch
    Autre version électronique
    Identifiant OAI-PMH
    • oai:doc.rero.ch:312568
    Summary
    Summary: Objective:: To illustrate the development and pilot evaluation of a website designed to enhance self-management of chronic low back pain for the Italian-speaking population of Switzerland. Methods:: 20 patients affected by chronic low back pain used a website - specifically created for the project - for a period of five months, under the monitoring of a team of health professionals. Evaluation was carried out by means of a telephone questionnaire administered at baseline and at the end of the intervention, and intermediate online user-testing performed in the fourth month of the intervention. A control group of 15 patients was created to assist the evaluation. Results:: Compared to the control group, results from the pilot evaluation suggest a decrease in the intensity of back pain in people with access to the website; an increase in physical activity; a reduction in both medical consultation and the use of painkillers, and a gain in declarative and procedural knowledge. This coincides with a general positive assessment of the website. Conclusion:: The study supports the need to test the proposed approach on a wider scale