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BACKGROUND: Group cognitive behavioural intervention (CBI) is effective in reducing low-back pain and disability in comparison to advice in primary care. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the impact of compliance on estimates of treatment effect and to identify factors associated with compliance. METHODS: In this multicentre trial, 701 adults with troublesome sub-acute or chronic low-back pain were recruited from 56 general practices. Participants were randomised to advice (control n = 233) or advice plus CBI (n = 468). Compliance was specified a priori as attending a minimum of three group sessions and the individual assessment. We estimated the complier average causal effect (CACE) of treatment. RESULTS: Comparison of the CACE estimate of the mean treatment difference to the intention-to-treat (ITT) estimate at 12 months showed a greater benefit of CBI amongst participants compliant with treatment on the Roland Morris Questionnaire (CACE: 1.6 points, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.74; ITT: 1.3 points, 95% CI 0.55 to 2.07), the Modified Von Korff disability score (CACE: 12.1 points, 95% CI 6.07 to 18.17; ITT: 8.6 points, 95% CI 4.58 to 12.64) and the Modified von Korff pain score (CACE: 10.4 points, 95% CI 4.64 to 16.10; ITT: 7.0 points, 95% CI 3.26 to 10.74). People who were non-compliant were younger and had higher pain scores at randomisation. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment compliance is important in the effectiveness of group CBI. Younger people and those with more pain are at greater risk of non-compliance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN54717854.

Original publication

DOI

10.1186/1471-2474-15-17

Type

Journal article

Journal

Bmc musculoskelet disord

Publication Date

14/01/2014

Volume

15

Keywords

Adult, Age Factors, Aged, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Disability Evaluation, Female, Group Processes, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Humans, Intention to Treat Analysis, Low Back Pain, Male, Middle Aged, Pain Measurement, Patient Compliance, Predictive Value of Tests, Severity of Illness Index, Surveys and Questionnaires, Time Factors, Treatment Outcome, United Kingdom