Publication:

Low back pain prevalence and risk factors among MBBS students in Lahore: a cross sectional study

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet little is known about its burden among Pakistani medical students. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of LBP in MBBS students at SIMS Lahore and identify associated factors.

Methods In this cross‑sectional study (June–September 2021), a total of 1000 MBBS students were invited to participate in the survey with response rate of 93%. After IRB approval (IRB/2020/628/SIMS), participants completed an online survey including a modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (validated in a 30‑student pilot; Cronbach’s α=0.82). Statistical significance was set at p<0.05.

Results Mean age was 20±2 years; 52.5% female. Overall LBP prevalence was 43% (342 minimal, 58 moderate disability) with 95% CI (39.8%–46.2%). Significant associations with LBP included gender (p=0.042), BMI (p=0.049), place of study (room vs. library; p=0.012), backpack use in clinical rotations (p=0.005), and family history (p<0.001). No association was observed for academic year, exercise habits, chair type, sitting posture, or study hours.

Conclusions Nearly half of MBBS students report LBP, with identifiable risk factors amenable to early intervention—especially ergonomics education and backpack‑weight management. Future multicentre studies and multivariate analyses are needed to confirm these associations and explore causality.