Low back pain and associated factors among users of community health centres in South Africa : a prevalence study

[摘要] Background: Low back pain (LBP) has a high prevalence worldwide. LBP is significantlyassociated with a range of poor socio-demographic circumstances which should be addressed inpreventive programs. Despite this there is a dearth of information about the prevalence andassociated factors among low-income communities in South Africa. It is speculated that theburden of LBP may be most significant in these underprivileged communities.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of LBP among the lowincomecommunities in the Cape Town Metropole and to establish associated factors in order tomake recommendations for management.Study design: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the visitors of eight communityhealth centres (CHCs) in the Cape Town Metropole.Methodology: A new measurement tool was developed based on existing validated outcomemeasures and initial testing of the psychometric properties of the questionnaire was conducted.The questionnaire was administered to 489 eligible subjects. Descriptive analysis was used todescribe the sample and logistic regression analytical techniques were applied to determineassociated factors.Main findings: Lifetime prevalence for LBP was 76.49% (n=358). About 37% (n=133) sufferedfrom chronic LBP. LBP was significantly associated with belonging to the black ethnic group, anyco-morbidity, poor perceived general health, and any type of pain medication. Lifting weights > 20kg and kneeling and squatting were physical factors significantly associated with LBP. Severepsychological distress was significantly associated with acute and chronic LBP. Having a betteror same perceived general health compared to a year ago, was protective for LBP.Conclusion: LBP has a high prevalence among the low income communities, visiting the CHCs,in the Cape Town Metropole. Multiple factors were associated with LBP, which imply that a tailormademultidisciplinary program addressing lifestyle issues, self management strategies,medication use, chronic diseases and psychosocial factors may be required for this population tocombat LBP.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University