Low back pain in Australian adults: the economic burden

Walker, B.F., Muller, R., and Grant, W.D. (2003) Low back pain in Australian adults: the economic burden. Asia-Pacific Journal of Public Health, 15 (2). pp. 79-87.

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Abstract

This paper reports the results of a "cost-of-illness" study of low back pain (LBP) in Australian adults. It estimates the direct cost of LBP in 2001 to be AU$1.02 billion. Approximately 71% of this amount is for treatment by chiropractors, general practitioners, massage therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncturists. However, the direct costs are minor compared to the indirect costs of AU$8.15 billion giving a total cost of AU$9.17 billion. LBP in Australian adults represents a massive health problem with a significant economic burden. This burden is so great that it has compelling and urgent ramifications for health policy, planning and research. This study identifies that research should concentrate on both direct but particularly the indirect costs including cost-effective management regimes that encourage an early return to duties.

Item ID: 5825
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1941-2479
Keywords: cost of illness; direct cost; economic burden; indirect cost; low back pain
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Date Deposited: 05 Jan 2010 00:54
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified @ 100%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9202 Health and Support Services > 920207 Health Policy Evaluation @ 100%
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