OBJECTIVES

: Low back pain (LBP) is a major public health problem that burdens individual’s families and societies in India. The annual economic cost of LBP is as high as $135 billion. A common challenge in treating chronic pain conditions is accurate diagnosis and treatment. To assess the prevalence, pain intensity and disability associated with LBP in India.

METHODS

: Cross sectional survey was conducted among adult population of different strata of community. Life time prevalence, point prevalence, recurrent prevalence, one-year prevalence and knowledge regarding LBP was collected. Numerical rating scale (NRS) and Oswestry low back pain questionnaire were employed to assess the pain intensity and disability among LBP subjects. Binary logistic regression test was conducted to determine the predictors of LBP prevalence.

RESULTS

: 1532 subjects were examined, among them 47.8% were males. Mean (SD) age and NRS was found to be 32 (10) years and 4.2 (2.6). Lifetime prevalence, point prevalence and one-year prevalence was found to be 57%, 32% and 48% respectively. Females (65%) had significantly higher lifetime prevalence compared to males (47%) (p<0.001). Oswestery disability index indicated 67% had moderate and 24% with severe disability. 62% had poor and 38% had moderate knowledge sore. Increasing age (OR =1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.04, P < 0.05), being female (OR =0.5, 95% CI: 0.4-0.6, P < 0.05) and physical activity (OR=0.7, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9, P < 0.05) were most significant predictor of LBP.

CONCLUSIONS

: LBP is highly prevalent in India, which results in the enormous disability. Therefore, it calls for action by health officials and professionals to plan for appropriate programs of prevention and management of LBP in society.