Prevalence and Associated Characteristics of Recurrent Non-Specific Low Back Pain among Private Sector Female Lecturers of Universities of Lahore
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Abstract
Background: Recurrent non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a major community health concern among women, negatively impacting their physical activities and overall well-being. However, limited research has focused on the prevalence of recurrent NSLBP among private-sector university lecturers in Lahore, where the exact causes remain unidentified.
Objective: To determine the prevalence of NSLBP and its associated characteristics among private-sector female lecturers at universities in Lahore.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 191 female lecturers aged 25 to 40 years from private-sector universities in Lahore. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which assessed demographic information, prevalence of recurrent NSLBP, and associated characteristics. Exclusion criteria included lecturers with tumors, injuries, trauma, pregnancy, and rheumatoid arthritis. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with chi-square tests used to assess associations between recurrent NSLBP and various characteristics, and significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: The study revealed that 68.06% (n=130) of participants reported recurrent NSLBP, while 31.94% (n=61) did not report recurrent episodes. Chi-square tests indicated a significant association between recurrent NSLBP and its associated characteristics (p < 0.001). The analysis showed a moderate negative association between recurrent NSLBP and these characteristics, as indicated by Phi (-0.421) and Cramer’s V (0.421) values.
Conclusion: The study found a significant prevalence of recurrent NSLBP among private-sector female university lecturers in Lahore and identified a moderate negative association with associated characteristics. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address the specific occupational risks faced by this population.
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