Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Factors Among University Students in Bangladesh: A Cross-Sectional Study

University students are susceptible to low back pain (LBP) because of their predisposition to various factors that have been previously linked to the increased risk of LBP among other populations. There is a substantial lack of research that explores the prevalence and risk factors of LBP among university students in Bangladesh.

This study aims to find the prevalence of LBP in Bangladeshi university students and factors associated with LBP.

A cross-sectional study of 800 Bangladeshi university students assessed LBP using the Oswestry Disability Index. Descriptive statistics summarized sociodemographics and clinical characteristics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression identified associated factors, with variables having an initial p < 0.25 included in the final model. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval.

The prevalence of LBP among Bangladeshi university students was 42.2% for general LBP disability. More precisely, 26.4% had mild LBP, followed by severe LBP (8.4%), moderate LBP (7.2%), and complete disability (0.2%). Factors such as participants' gender, educational level, primary residence, monthly household income, backpack weight, smoking, alcohol status, and academic stress were found to be significantly associated with LBP.

The findings suggest that nearly half of the university students were affected by LBP, indicating a need for increased awareness, promotion of healthy lifestyles, and specific policies and interventions for the successful management of the disease.