CORRELATES AND PREDICTORS OF DISABILITY RELATED TO CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN IN A NIGERIAN POPULATION

Abstract

Purpose: Identifying factors related to low-back pain (LBP) can facilitate its management. However, information on how physical activity (PA) level, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and anthropometric characteristics are related to LBP-associated health indices in individuals with chronic LBP (CLBP) is scarce. This study explored how PA level, HRQoL and anthropometric indices are related to CLBP-related disability in a Nigerian population. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 individuals with CLBP who were receiving treatment in physiotherapy out-patient clinics of selected tertiary hospitals, and 95 apparently healthy individuals. PA level, disability level and HRQoL were measured using standardized procedures. Results: Disability level inversely correlated with physical component score (PCS) of HRQoL ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]), mental component score (MCS) of HRQoL ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]), pain intensity ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) and PA level ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]), but positively correlated with duration of pain ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) among individuals with CLBP. PCS of HRQoL ([Formula: see text]; [Formula: see text]) solely accounted for 71% of the prediction of disability level. Conclusion: PA level and HRQoL decrease with increasing CLBP-related disability with the PCS of HRQoL being mostly affected. Individuals with CLBP may need to be motivated against their health problem, and be encouraged to participate in PA.