Frequency of Non-Specific Lower Back Pain in Female University Students due to Conventional Classroom Seats

Abstract

Background: In the present era, low back pain (LBP) is one of the destructive health problems. It affects large number of people and accounts for huge economic loss. Students remain seated during lectures and other lab work for a considerable time period. Despite of other factors, type of the seat/chair being used, duration of sitting and body posture also contributes to cause backache. Poor design of classroom furniture causes musculoskeletal loads and strains resulting in the decline of health and reduced productivity of students. Objective: The objective of this study was to find the Frequency of low back pain in female university students of Pakistan due to improper seats. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in different universities of Punjab, Pakistan. 300 Female university students of age 18-28 were included in the study through purposive sampling method. Data was collected through a customized questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed through SPSS version 23 for frequency distribution and graphical representation. Results: Results revealed that out of 300 participants 68% suffered from back pain, out of which 49% suffered from lower back pain and 19% suffered from upper back pain.78% students were using wooden seats and 21% were using plastic seats. 70% students stated that they are more comfortable in using plastic wear seats and type of seat is a major contributor in back pain along with sitting hours. Conclusion: The study effectively depicts that there is high frequency of non-specific LBP in female university students due to conventional classroom seats/chairs. This phenomenon needs further investigation so that this major contributing factor can be addressed.

Keywords

• low back pain, risk factors, classroom furniture, university students