Acute Low Back Pain Among Both Medical and Non-Medical Students Post Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint among university students, and it is a leading cause of major musculoskeletal disability. Therefore, it is critical to recognize potential risk factors for LBP at an early stage to prevent further complications. Aim: This study aims to evaluates LBP prevalence, severity, and associated factors among undergraduate university students in Jordan. Methodology: This is a comparative cross-sectional study conducted involving 322 medical and 153 non-medical students during 2021/2022 academic year. After obtaining ethical approval, data were collected via a self-administered online questionnaire distributed through social media platforms and in-person collections. Socio-demographic data and questions about e-learning and physical activity were included. Characteristics of LBP were determined and measured using a numeric grading scale. Results: Mean age was 20.66 for medical students and 21.76 for non-medical students, with females' predominance. Around 70% experienced LBP in 2021, and most did not seek medical advice (83.5% medical, 76.1% non-medical). Pain severity averaged 4 ± 1 for both groups. Online learners reported higher LBP incidence, and both groups had sedentary lifestyles. Conclusion: The prevalence of LBP appears to be high among undergraduate students. Moreover, online learning did not show a statistically significant effect on the development of LBP. This research identified two statistically significant correlations: the relationship between being female and developing LBP, as well as the relationship between carrying a backpack and experiencing LBP. Further studies should be conducted to address this topic due to its importance and the burden it places on healthcare systems.