Prevalence and Risk Factors for Low Back Pain in 1,355 Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors:
Open Access
- 31 August 2017
- journal article
- Published by Asian Spine Journal (ASJ) in Asian Spine Journal
- Vol. 11 (4) , 610-617
Abstract
Study DesignCross-sectional study.PurposeTo evaluate the prevalence and various risk factors for low back pain (LBP) in young adults in India.Overview of LiteratureLBP is an emerging problem in adolescents, with an incidence that is the highest in the third decade of life worldwide. Various risk factors such as obesity, smoking, family history, stress, and exercise have been described in the literature. This study was conducted because of paucity of data in the Indian literature.MethodsA total of 1,355 (741 males and 641 females) young Indian Administrative Service aspirants and medical postgraduate aspirants aged 18–35 years were enrolled in the study. The subjects completed a detailed, semi-structured questionnaire that gathered data regarding their sociodemographic profile and factors considered to be risk factors for LBP. Anthropometric measurements, including height and weight, were measured and body mass index was calculated.ResultsMost subjects (90.6%) were aged 20–29 years (mean, 24.49; range, 18–35 years). Results indicated that the following factors were associated with LBP in young adults: marital status, previous history of spine problems, strenuous exercise, job satisfaction, monotony, stress, daily number of studying hours, and family history of spine problems (p<0.05). However, age, sex, smoking, alcoholism, coffee intake, mode and duration of travel, diet, frequency of weightlifting, wearing heels, studying posture, and frequency and type of sports activities were not associated with LBP.ConclusionsThe study identified various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors that precipitated LBP in young adult Indians. Identifying these risk factors at an early stage will prevent LBP progression to a chronic disease state, thereby improving an individual's quality of life and increasing productivity.Keywords
This publication has 32 references indexed in Scilit:
- The Epidemiology of low back painBest Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 2010
- The Association between Smoking and Low Back Pain: A Meta-analysisThe American Journal of Medicine, 2010
- Neck/Shoulder, Low Back, and Arm Pain in Relation to Computer Use, Physical Activity, Stress, and Depression Among Dutch AdolescentsPediatrics, 2006
- Clinical Course in Patients Seeking Primary Care for Back or Neck Pain: A Prospective 5-Year Follow-Up of Outcome and Health Care Consumption with Subgroup AnalysisSpine, 2004
- Prevalence of low back pain in three occupational groups in Shanghai, People's Republic of ChinaJournal of Safety Research, 2004
- Risk Indicators of Low Back Pain Among Workers in JapanSpine, 1997
- Determinants of Lumbar Disc DegenerationSpine, 1995
- Non-Specific Low-Back Pain Among SchoolchildrenJournal of Spinal Disorders, 1994
- Anthropometric Characteristics, Passive Hip Flexion, and Spinal Mobility in Relation to Back Pain in AthletesSpine, 1990
- Influence of Anthropometric Factors and Joint Laxity in the Incidence of Adolescent Back PainSpine, 1984