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CORRELATES AND PREDICTORS OF DISABILITY RELATED TO CHRONIC LOW-BACK PAIN IN A NIGERIAN POPULATION

Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

E-mail Address: mafaad@yahoo.com

Corresponding author.

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Kenneth Ani

Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

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Christopher Olusanjo Akosile

Department of Medical Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

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Obinna Dickson Nwodo

Department of Physiotherapy, Federal Medical Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

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Prosper Uchenna Okonkwo

Department of Physiotherapy, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria

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, and

Peter Agba Awhen

Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, College of Medical Sciences University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

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https://doi.org/10.1142/S0218957721500111Cited by:1 (Source: Crossref)

Abstract

Purpose: Identifying factors related to low-back pain (LBP) can facilitate its management. However, information on how physical activity (PA) level, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and anthropometric characteristics are related to LBP-associated health indices in individuals with chronic LBP (CLBP) is scarce. This study explored how PA level, HRQoL and anthropometric indices are related to CLBP-related disability in a Nigerian population.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 100 individuals with CLBP who were receiving treatment in physiotherapy out-patient clinics of selected tertiary hospitals, and 95 apparently healthy individuals. PA level, disability level and HRQoL were measured using standardized procedures.

Results: Disability level inversely correlated with physical component score (PCS) of HRQoL ( $r = - 0.84$ $r = - 0.84$ ; $p < 0.001$ $p < 0.001$ ), mental component score (MCS) of HRQoL ( $r = - 0.46$ $r = - 0.46$ ; $p < 0.001$ $p < 0.001$ ), pain intensity ( $r = - 0.84$ $r = - 0.84$ ; $P < 0.001$ $P < 0.001$ ) and PA level ( $r = - 0.39$ $r = - 0.39$ ; $p < 0.001$ $p < 0.001$ ), but positively correlated with duration of pain ( $r = 0.81$ $r = 0.81$ ; $p < 0.001$ $p < 0.001$ ) among individuals with CLBP. PCS of HRQoL ( $β = - 1.68$ $β = - 1.68$ ; $p < 0.001$ $p < 0.001$ ) solely accounted for 71% of the prediction of disability level.

Conclusion: PA level and HRQoL decrease with increasing CLBP-related disability with the PCS of HRQoL being mostly affected. Individuals with CLBP may need to be motivated against their health problem, and be encouraged to participate in PA.

Keywords:

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