European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY ON LOW BACK PAIN AND ITS ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ROPAR DISTRICT, PUNJAB

Shyamal Koley*, Harpreet Kaur, Amandeep Kaur

ABSTRACT

Background: Low back pain is a widespread health complication affecting all the strata of our society. Sedentary population is severely affected by these conditions. Objectives: The present investigation aimed to explore the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) along with its contributing risk factors among secondary school teachers in Ropar district, Punjab. Methodology: A total of 506 teachers aged between 25 and 60 years were recruited from various schools across the district. Out of these, 209 teachers (88 males and 121 females) were identified with low back pain based on a self-reported questionnaire. To assess pain and related functional limitations, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire, and a self-developed socio-demographic and economic questionnaire were utilized. Results: Findings indicated that the overall 12-month prevalence of LBP was 41.30%, with female teachers (59.90%) being more affected compared to male teachers. Several determinants such as heavy workload, disturbed sleep (particularly among females), long hours of standing during classroom teaching, and lack of physical activity were linked with the condition. Analysis further revealed that the majority of male (75.00%) and female (58.26%) teachers were categorized as having minimal disability according to the Oswestry Disability Index. Conclusion: It can be inferred that addressing both occupational and individual factors are crucial to lessen the burden of low back pain among teachers.

Keywords: Low back pain. Prevalence. Contributing factors. Secondary school teachers. Ropar district, Punjab.