2.1. Design and materials
A cross-sectional descriptive survey with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted using the STROBE cross-sectional reporting guidelines 27 from May 23 to June 6, 2020. The format of this questionnaire was proved successful in previous studies of physiotherapy management for LBP 6,13. Before distribution, the questionnaire was piloted with a convenient 20 Bangladeshi physiotherapists. These physiotherapists were asked to give their opinion regarding the questionnaire format, its content, wording, instructions, and ease of completion. The questionnaire was slightly revised as the feedback given.
The content of the questionnaire was divided into three parts. In the first part, the respondent was asked about their demographic and professional background. In the second part, physiotherapists were asked to provide details on their current intervention choices in the management of patients with LBP. The final part consisted of information about the use of x-ray for LBP diagnosis, patient type, and self-reported cure rate of LBP patients.
2.2. Inclusion-exclusion criteria and ethical consideration
Registered graduate physiotherapists who are currently living and practicing in Bangladesh, age 18-65 years, see a minimum of one LBP patient per day in their practice, willing to participate in this study were the inclusion criteria. We exclude who are registered in Bangladesh but currently living or practicing outside of Bangladesh, age more than 65 years. Voluntary informed consent was taken from all the participants.
We have taken prospective observational trial registration from the World Health Organization (WHO) endorsed Clinical Trial Registry- India (CTRI/2020/05/025313 [Registered on 22/05/2020]). The ethical review committee of Uttara Adhunik Medical College and Hospital has also approved the study.