Analysing Low Back Pain Among University Students in Malaysia: A Public Health Perspective on Disability and Influencing Factors

Abstract

Purpose: Low back pain (LBP) and its association with disability has emerged as an area of concern. This study aimed to investigate the influence of demographic, low back pain on disability to provide insights for informed interventions enhancing students’ inclusive health and wellbeing. Materials & Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 351 students of all genders, aged 17 to 30. Nordic questionnaire was used to check the prevalence of low back pain. Oswestry disability index was employed to assess the back pain induced disability. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between risk factors and LBP. Results: Among students, the total prevalence of LBP was 81.5%. Adjusted odds ratio and standardized coefficient, variables such as year of study (OR = 2.526, CI = 1.629–3.923), mode of study (OR = 4.725, CI = 1.767–12.630), and duration of electronic gadgets usage (OR = 2.912, CI = 1.544–5.490) were found to be independent risk factors and predictors for the occurrence of LBP among university students. Conclusion: The study results demonstrate a substantial association between the use of computers, year of study, and use of electronic gadgets with prevalence of low back discomfort. Future investigations should focus on strategies to emphasize the significance of ergonomic guidance about computer usage and managing study workload throughout different academic years among university students.

Keywords

• Low back pain
• Disability
• Health risks
• Demographics
• Students