Influence of work, home and lifestyle related factors during COVID-19 lockdown on presentation of pain and functional status among school teachers with chronic nonspecific low back pain – An Online Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Large numbers of teachers are affected by Low Back Pain (LBP) and often report limitations in performing daily activities. The prevalence of LBP was high in the population that was confined to their houses due to COVID-19 lockdown. Objective: To study the Influence of Work, Home and Lifestyle related factors during COVID-19 lockdown on presentation of pain and functional status among school teachers with chronic nonspecific LBP. Methods: A total of 229 school teachers residing in India participated in the study. A self-administered, structured questionnaire, composed of 18 questions including various domains of life was administered; along with 13 activities of daily living and a scale to rate the difficulty level while performing. Results: Among work related activities: Prolonged sitting (p = 0.022), Gadget use (p=0.058), Twisting and turning (p = 0.035) and walking (0.036); whereas, among Home related activities: Lifting and carrying (p = 0.060) and House chores (p = 0.036) had an influence on pain. Body mass index (p=0.005) and emotional status (p=0.01) had significant correlation with intensity of pain. The most difficulty was reported in performing prolonged sitting activity. Conclusion: Covid-19 lockdown had a significant influence on work and home-related activities and lifestyle of Indian school teachers which ultimately had an effect on LBP and functional status. KEYWORDS: Low back pain, school teachers, functional status, COVID-19 lockdown.