Prevalence and risk factors for back pain among college teachers of Punjab India

Objectives: The aim of the study was to find out the prevalence of low back pain among college teachers of India and its correlation with various risk factors. Background: Low back Pain (LBP) is a very common problem in individuals and its prevalence varies from place to place and among professional, in particularly teachers . in literature various risk factors were identified for LBP including physical, psychological and social factors , literature is lacking for Indian population. Methodology: Study was survey questionnaire prospective design using incident sampling spread over six months. 400 self-reporting closed ended questionnaire consisting of demographic data, 15 close ended questions along with consent form and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire were distributed among teachers after inclusion and exclusion criterion with appropriate instructions, later these were collected and analysis was done for percentage & correlation of LBP with various factors. Result:46.98% teachers reported LBP, 37.46% were minimally disabled, and 7.61% moderate and only 1.90% were severely disabled. taking lecture in standing without support was significantly negatively correlated with LBP, mixed approach with support and without support standing was positively correlated with LBP. Prolonged sitting posture due to work, due to exam marking and due to internet use were found to be positively significantly correlated with LBP. previous injuries to low back, upper-limb & lower limb and was positively significantly correlated with LBP. Conclusion: It is concluded that about 47% of the college teachers reported that they had back pain once or more in their lifetime, prolonged sitting due to exam duty, internet uses history of injuries to back, upper limb and lower limb could be considered as risk factor. Standing without support during lecture may leads to a good posture and so less back pain.