Abstract

Lotfi Fahmi Issa1,2, Nagy A. Seleem3 , Ali M. Bakheit 1 , Ayman Abdel Baky 1 , Abdulaziz Fahad Alotaibi4

Low back pain is the most common orthopedic health problem affecting population globally including Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among university students. A cross sectional approach was conducted and 1000 male students were selected by multistage random sampling technique. A self administered structured questionnaire including sociodemographic data and questions on the risk factors was used to collect data. Out of 1000 male students selected, 872 (87.2%) responded. The overall prevalence of low back pain among students was 30%. However, significant associations were found between low back pain and older students, being medical student, higher academic grades, being married and large family size. Moreover, physically inactive, being smoker, consumption of more coffee, tea or soft drink, sitting on uncomfortable furniture, history of psychological problem, positive family history of musculoskeletal disorders, overweight and obesity were significantly associated with low back pain. In conclusion, high prevalence of low back pain was recorded among University students. Greater attention should be directed towards ergonomic improvement of chair and desk. In addition, health education program on low back pain is highly recommended to the students and their families