Low back pain: Prevalence and functional impairment among the general population in Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Objectives: Low back pain (LBP) is a main cause of disability worldwide and can negatively affect the individual’s life and work quality. This research aimed to estimate the prevalence of chronic non-specific LBP among the general population of Tabuk city, Saudi Arabia, and to evaluate its related risk factors and functional impairment. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was performed through a web-based and structured questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic data and risk factors. We used the Modified Oswestry LBP Disability Questionnaire (Arabic version) to measure the disability index among the study participants. The invitation to participate in the questionnaire was posted on different social media platforms. Results: LBP was found in 46% of the participants (n = 768), and it was significantly associated with multiple risk factors, including age group ≥30 years old (P = 0.002), obesity (P = 0.002), smoking (P = 0.004), having comorbidities, particularly anemia, diabetes, hypertension, and hyperthyroidism (P < 0.001), and positive history of psychological problems (P = 0.039). Regular practice of physical activities had a significant protective effect (P = 0.032). The Oswestry Disability Index reported minimal disability among participants who had LBP. Conclusion: The study detected a relatively high prevalence of LBP in Tabuk (46.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.7–49.8%) and identified several significant risk factors, including age ≥30 years, body mass index ≥25 kg/m2, smoking, and presence of comorbidities and psychological factors. Regular exercise was a protective factor against chronic LBP. The Oswestry Disability Index showed minimal disability and functional impairment.