Risk factors for chronic low backache in adult Sri Lankan females

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors for chronic low backache among adult Sri Lankan females. METHODOLOGY: A case control study was done at Teaching Hospital Ragama and Rehabilitation Hospital Ragama. Three hundred and seven patients with chronic low backache (cases) and three hundred and twenty one people without backache (controls) were interviewed using a pretested structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The questionnaire had questions concerning demographic, social and risk factors for low backache. The cases and controls were matched for age. RESULTS: The age range of study subjects was 18-90 years. Mean (Standard Deviation [SD]) age for cases was 50.2 years (15.2 years); Mean (SD) age for controls was 49.4 years (16.3 years). Poor posture activities, five days a week (OR = 62), exercise < once a week (OR = 27), positive family history of low backache (OR = 14), education to less than sixth grade (OR = 4), Body Mass Index (BMI) >25 (OR = 2) and BMI <20 (OR =4) were significant independent risk factors for chronic low backache. Parity did not have a significant association with chronic low backache. CONCLUSION: In addition to the type of activity, the frequency of activities done for a week is also an important factor in the development of low backache. High BMI and low BMI are both risk factors for low backache. Participating in regular exercise, having a normal BMI and a higher level of education is important in preventing low backache.