Association between low back pain and depression in United States young adults : a cross-sectional study

Previous studies have established an association between low back pain (LBP) and depression; however, the relationship between LBP and depression among young adults in the United States remains unclear. The present study aimed to address this gap. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 2,217 adults aged 20 to 40 years from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). LBP was defined as having experienced pain in the lower back within the past three months, while depression was identified using a questionnaire-based diagnosis score. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between low back pain and depression, and subgroup analyses were conducted to ensure stability across demographic and clinical variables. Of the participants, 849 reported LBP (38.3% prevalence), and 148 had depression (6.7% prevalence). Depression was significantly more common among individuals with LBP (52.7%). After adjusting for confounders, LBP was significantly associated with depression (OR: 1.61, 95% CI: 1.1-2.36, p = 0.014). Subgroup analyses by sex, age, smoking, hypertension, oral analgesics use, and body mass index revealed no significant interactions (p > 0.05). LBP is significantly associated with depression in young adults. Clinicians should screen for depression in patients with LBP and provide timely interventions to prevent worsening of psychological and physical health.