Effects Of Back School On Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain In Adolescents

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition among adolescents, with significant implications for their health and quality of life. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of LBP and examine its associations with age, Body Mass Index (BMI), backpack weight, and posture in adolescent students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 adolescent students aged 14-17 years from local schools in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected through self-reported questionnaires and physical assessments to determine the prevalence of LBP and identify risk factors. Participants were categorized based on age, BMI, backpack weight, and posture type. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used for analysis, with a p-value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of LBP was found to be 78.3%, with the highest incidence observed in 15-year-olds (50%) and underweight adolescents (50%). A significant association was found between LBP and heavier backpack weight, with 33.3% of students in the 2.001–3.00 kg category reporting pain. Posture type was also a significant factor, with sitting posture (41.7%) being most strongly associated with LBP. Statistical analysis revealed significant associations between age, BMI, backpack weight, and posture type with the prevalence of LBP (p<0.05). Conclusions: The study highlights the high prevalence of LBP among adolescents, particularly in relation to age, BMI, backpack weight, and posture. These findings suggest that interventions such as Back School programs, aimed at promoting proper posture and reducing backpack weight, could help prevent and manage LBP in this age group. Further longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the long-term effects of these factors on adolescent back health.