Prevalence and Impact of Low Back Pain in a Community-Based Population in Northern India.

BACKGROUND

Low back pain (LBP) ranks first for disability and sixth for overall burden on world health, with an annual approximate cost of $135 billion. There are limited data on the prevalence and risk factors for LBP in developing countries, such as India.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the prevalence, pain intensity, and quality of life (QOL) associated with LBP in northern India.

STUDY

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTINGS: Northern states of India.

METHODS

Adult population of different strata of the community were interviewed. Lifetime, point, 1-year, and age standardized lifetime prevalence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and QOL, and pain intensity using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) were determined. Binary logistic regression test was conducted to determine the predictors of LBP prevalence; odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI are presented. Significance level was set at P <= 0.05.

RESULTS

A total of 1,531 patients were interviewed of whom 48% were men and mean (standard deviation [SD]) age was 32 (10) years. Lifetime, point, 1-year, and age standardized lifetime prevalence (95% CI) were 57% (54%-59%), 32% (30%-34%), 48% (46%-51%), and 59% (56%-62%), respectively. Average (SD) NRS-11 was 4.2 (2.6). Significant impact of LBP on sleep (24%), depression/psychological problems (24%), and social life (28%) were observed. Women (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.80-2.77; P < 0.05), walking/lifting activity (OR, 1.362; 95% CI, 1.097-1.692; P < 0.05), and increasing age (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04; P < 0.05) were most significant positive predictors of LBP.

LIMITATIONS: The progression of LBP could not be assessed in the enrolled patients.

CONCLUSIONS

LBP is highly prevalent in India, adversely affecting QOL in respondents. This calls for action by health officials to plan prevention, education, and management programs in the society.

KEY WORDS: Low back pain, pain intensity, prevalence, incidence, quality of life.