Engaging consumers living in remote areas of Western Australia in the self-management of back pain: a prospective cohort study

Table 3 Demographic characteristics of consumers with persistent low back pain

Characteristic
Region in Western Australia
Kununurra	6 (11.8)
Albany	25 (49.0)
Kalgoorlie	20 (39.2)
Age (years) (N = 50); mean (SD)[min-max]	62.3 (15.1) [27–86]
Gender (Female) (N = 48)	33 (68.8)
English as a first language (N = 51)	47 (92.2)
Born in Australia (N = 50)	31 (62.0)
Highest education level achieved (N = 48)
Completed up to 3 years secondary school	10 (20.8)
Technical and Further Education / Vocational college	8 (16.8)
Completed all 5 years of secondary school ^§	12 (25.0)
University qualification	18 (37.5)
Currently employed (N = 49)	21 (42.9)
Medical benefits eligibility^¥ (N = 51)	27 (52.9)
Current insurance claim for injury (N = 49)	3 (6.1)
Seeing/planning to see a solicitor about their LBP (N = 50)	1 (2.0)

Consumers with persistent low back pain were recruited to the modified Self Training Educative Pain Sessions program which was conducted in three remote regions of Western Australia. Demographic data are presented as n (%) unless indicated otherwise
^§ In Western Australia, to complete High School requires 5 years of study; ^¥ The Australian Federal Government funds a scheme which benefits recipients, including low income earners and selected other groups with access to subsidized prescription medicines and a lower Extended Medicare Safety Net threshold, both of which reduce out-of-pocket costs.

ISSN: 1471-2474