Low Back Pain Prevalence and Associated Factors among Medical Students
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Abstract
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and its associated factors among Thai medical students at a single university in Thailand.
Methods: Using an anonymous self-administered survey, we collected demographic data and details of LBP and associated disability (modified Oswestry disability questionnaire [MODQ]). This was distributed online to medical students between January and March 2022. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted, and odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.
Results: Of the 150 eligible students, 146 responded (91 female, mean age 21.6 ± 1.8 years). The prevalence of lifetime LBP and significant LBP were 81 (55.5%) and 55 (67.9%), respectively. Assessed by the MODQ, 92.4% of students suffered mild disability due to LBP, which correlated with severity (rs = 0.600, p < 0.001). Alcohol drinking (OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.1–7.7), being underweight (<18 kg/m2; OR, 14.8; 95%CI, 1.9–117.1), not drinking caffeine (OR, 0.3; 95%CI 0.1–0.8), and a family history of LBP (OR, 3.1; 95%CI, 1.2–8.3) were significantly associated with significant LBP in the univariate analysis. In the multivariate analysis, family history (aOR, 3.5; 95%CI, 1.1–11.1) and being underweight (aOR, 15.6; 95%CI, 1.7–141.2) were independently associated with LBP.
Conclusion: LBP was common among medical students and was associated with both low weight (<18 kg/m2) and having a family history of LBP. MODQ is practical for evaluating LBP disability
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