The burden of musculosceletal disorders in multi-ethnic Suriname: with a closer look at attitudes and beliefs about low back pain

The general aim of this research project is to assess the prevalence and nature of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders (RMSD’s) in the Surinamese multi-ethnic society. The Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD) survey will be used in order to conduct a cross-sectional study to assess the prevalence, the level of disability, and the health related quality of life associated with musculoskeletal complaints in urban and rural areas of Suriname. A random sample of 4000 individuals aged 15 and above will be interviewed using a door-to-door survey to identify cases and to capture pain and disability. Complementary to the COPCORD survey an assessment of LBP, back pain beliefs, treatment seeking behavior, self-reported physical activity, fear avoidance beliefs and the associated disability, quality of life and beliefs and attitudes of healthcare practitioners will be executed to better understand the LBP-beliefs-behavior relationship. This research project will be the first step to provide information about the extent of RMSD’s in Suriname and the possible underlying cultural driven causal dynamics. The results of this project will contribute to better planning and delivery of health services and ultimately improved health of the Surinamese population.