Psychosocial morbidity profile in a community based sample of low back pain patients

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is a major health concern and is closely associated with psychosocial morbidity and diminished Health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This is minimally investigated in community-based samples of developing nations like India. This study is aimed to specifically investigate the exposure-outcome associations between LBP and burden of disability (Modified Oswestry questionnaire (MODQ)), psychological morbidities (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21)), and HRQoL (Short Form -12 version 2 (SF12V2). A Cross-sectional study using a community-based sample of LBP positive population was conducted. The range of treatment options sought was also collected. Chi-square tests and independent t-test were used to analyze the data. Of 1531 recruited participants, 871(57%) were identified as LBP positive of whom 60% were females. Mean (SD) of age and pain intensity of LBP patients was 33 (11) years and numeric rating scale4.2 (2.6) respectively. Two-third reported minimal/moderate disability. Mean (SD) scores of depression 11.87 (4.05), anxiety (8.32), stress 13.7 (5.98), physical and mental summary scores of SF-12v2 were 47.9 (7.4) and 42.2 (10.4). A multitude of remedial options was sought for the ailment. LBP causes significant disability and psychological morbidity among affected population. This may adversely affect their HRQoL and subsequently productivity. Acupuncture was a preferred treatment sought by Indian LBP patients.

Perception Amongst Physiotherapists Regarding the Psycho-Social Risk Factors and the Influence in Chronic Low Back Pain- A Qualitative Study

“…The activities which included the patient in daily-life realms, participation in social events, leisure activities, work or occupation related were all moderately affected, and the patient had reduced the quality and participation instead. In all the factors, the study also showed that female patients were more affected than male, the physical activity, body mass index and job application correlated with the pain severity among the patients [15].…”

“…The satisfaction and work required at the job was found deranged in more amounts, along with a higher prevalence towards depression, anxiety, and work stress. Patient noted that more than 70% of the individuals who complained of severe pain in the lower back, had a significant correlation with developing depression [15].…”

“…In a similar cohort study carried out by Asrar [15] included 1531 participants and the data was collected amongst all genders, age groups and occupations through a face-to-face interview. The data collector ensured that the investigator was able to converse, understand and speak in all languages that the participants were comfortable with.…”

Effectiveness of integrated approach of yoga therapy versus usual care in management on chronic low back pain patients: A randomized controlled pilot study

“…5 A quarter of patients reported depression. 5 Despite various modalities options available for CLBP, management is usually suboptimal or inadequate. 5 Most of these modalities seem to mainly focus on the biomedical aspect of pain and overlook the mind-body component.…”

Back Pain in India: Massive Problem

“…This same research group recently published a second study of 1502 subjects charting the psychological and social impact of low back pain in this nation of 1.366 billion people. (See Asrar et al, 2021. )…”