Assessment of modifiable risk factors for chronic low back pain in different age groups

Abstract

Іntroduction.Chronic low back pain is a global problem for people of working age worldwide, leading to impaired functioning, quality of life, and social activity. Modifiable risk factors are risks that are more related to human behavioral strategies and can be changed. The main modifiable risk factors for chronic low back pain include a sedentary lifestyle, bad habits, obesity, comorbidities, and high stress levels.Studyingrisk factors for chronic low back pain is important for developingpreventive strategies and effectiverehabilitationinterventions in patients with chronic low back pain. Objective.To investigate the relationship between modifiable factors and chronic low back pain, and to assess the severity of modifiable risk factors for chronic low back pain in differentagegroups.Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, a questionnaire was conducted based onthe Rehabilitation Department of the University Clinic of the Bogomolets National Medical University (NMU), which included an assessment of socio-demographic and anthropometric indicators, an assessment of the level of stress according to the PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) in people aged 18–60 years. All patients were divided into two groups: the control group, consisting of practically healthy individuals, and the comparison group, consisting of individuals with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Results. The study involved 240 people, with a mean age of 34.3±12.7, 121 women (36.2±15.3) and 119 men (32.3±9.1). Comparative analysis revealed that individuals with chronic low back pain had statistically significant risk factors: higher BMI (p<0.01), lower physical activity (p=0. 001), higher sedentary time (p=0.010), higher prevalence of smoking (p=0.016), sleep disturbances (p<0.001), higher stress levels (p<0.001) and comorbidities (p=0.002). The results of a comparative analysis of the relationship between modifiable risk factors among patients with chroniclow back pain, depending on age, revealed differences in BMI, smoking prevalence, physical inactivity, sleep disturbance,and comorbidities. Conclusions. Individuals with chronic low back pain, compared to practically healthy individuals,have significantly higher rates of modifiable risk factors. Among patients with chronic low back pain in the age group of 18–24, a more significant risk factor is underweight;in the age group of 25–44, smoking; in the age group of 45–60,overweight and obesity, insufficient physical activity, sleep disorders and comorbidities.