Identifying predictors of chiropractic outcomes

by Mortenson, Michelle D.

The Graduate College University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI 54751 Mortenson, Michelle D Identifying Predictors of Chiropractic Outcomes M.S. Applied Psychology Dr. Richard Tafalla 12/02 62pp American Psychological Association (APA) 5th edition Systematic reviews have identified several of the most consistent predictors of chiropractic outcomes across studies, but researchers have not integrated these factors into a single investigation. In addition, research on general health status and disease-specific questionnaires in patients with back problems has been somewhat contradictory in the past. A pre-post test research design was implemented in this study. The results of this research, using stepwise regression and partial correlation analyses, suggest that co-morbidity, initial measure of disease, working in a service occupation and previous visits to other health care providers best predict short-term outcomes in chiropractic care. Also, the results reveal that the SF-36, a general health status questionnaire, is not adequate to predict disease specific change in patients’ function over time. Identifying Predictors iii