Background

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is most effectively managed through physiotherapy incorporating psychosocial interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Clinical practice guidelines recommend that physiotherapists integrate
CBT into their clinical practice.

Aims

To assess Nigerian physiotherapists’ interest in using CBT to manage CMP, evaluate associations with sociodemographic characteristics, and identify predictors of interest.

Material and methods

A cross-sectional design was used to survey 336 Nigerian physiotherapists. The research tool, adapted from Beissner et al., assessed interest in five CBT techniques. Descriptive statistics summarised sociodemographic data and CBT interest. Chi-square tests examined associations with sociodemographic factors, and binary logistic regression identified predictors
of interest (SPSS version 20).

Results

Participants showed overall interest in CBT, with a mean interest score of 10.76 (SD = 3.85) out of 20. Interest was highest for scheduling pleasurable activities and activity pacing (n = 187; 55.7%). The only significant association was with country of physiotherapy training (χ² = 9.673; p = 0.002). The logistic regression model was not statistically significant (χ²(12) = 30.459; p = 0.442), and no individual predictor reached significance (all p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Nigerian physiotherapists show interest in using CBT for managing patients with
CMP; however, this interest does not extend equally to all CBT techniques. Physiotherapists trained abroad demonstrated higher interest. Structured training and continuing professional development in psychosocial interventions are
needed to translate interest into practice.