Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Its Associated Factors in an Underdeveloped Country: Pakistan

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability worldwide, affecting millions and increasing healthcare costs. Accurate assessment tools are essential for managing LBP effectively.Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Low Back Outcomes Score (LBOS) and SF-36 questionnaire in assessing health status among patients with LBP across different age groups.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study included 300 participants divided into age groups: 13-30 years, 31-50 years, and over 50 years. Data were collected using the SF-36 and LBOS questionnaires at baseline and two-year follow-up. The study measured physical, mental, and social functioning, and used statistical analysis, including regression models and Cronbach’s alpha, to evaluate internal consistency and correlation with international benchmarks.Results: The study found high internal consistency for LBOS (Cronbach’s alpha >0.7) with the lowest correlation for physical function (0.38). Significant improvements were observed across all SF-36 domains, except physical function (p < 0.05). LBOS scores showed a significant association with better psychological well-being, with mean scores of 74 (SD=55) in the excellent/good group versus 43 (SD=32) in the fair/poor group.Conclusion: LBOS and SF-36 are effective tools for assessing LBP outcomes, demonstrating good reliability and validity across different age groups in Pakistan.