From this study, there was significant impairment in the overall quality of life, general health satisfaction, physical, psychological and social relationships domain of quality of life of subjects identified with low back pain. A biopsychosocial approach to the management of patients with low back pain therefore would be necessary in order to improve the quality of life of affected patients.
The overall prevalence of low back pain in this study was 31%. This prevalence rate is high and calls for greater awareness among family physicians who are the primary care givers, in order to prevent low back pain.
This study identified the following variables as risk factors for low back pain: age, marital status, level of education, place of residence, lifting activity, stressful job, alcohol, cigarette smoking and body mass index. In addition, with multiple logistic analysis lifting activity, stressful job and body mass index were identified as independent risk factors of low back pain.
Based on the above findings, the following are recommended:
Owing to the high prevalence of low back pain in this study, there may be need to
establish a multidisciplinary clinic in the General Outpatient Department to manage patients with low back pain. The clinic should involve the family physician, the physiotherapist, the psychologist and orthopaedic surgeon. It should be able to address the constellation of physical , psychological and social difficulties faced by patients with low back pain, and thereby improve their quality of life.
Lifting activity was identified as an independent risk factor for low back pain in this study. Therefore, patients should be educated on safe/proper lifting techniques.
High body mass index was identified as an independent risk factor for low back pain in
this study. Therefore, life style modification including weight reduction and regular moderate exercise should be recommended.
Stressful job was also identified as an independent risk factor for low back pain in this
study. Therefore , there is need to advocate for modification/removal of stressors in work environment in order to reduce the stress of work among employees.
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APPENDIX 3
≥
APPENDIX 5
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
QUALITY OF LIFE (WHOQOL) – BREF QUESTIONNAIRE
This assessment asks how you feel about your quality of life, health or other areas of your life. Please read each question, assess your feelings and circle the number on the scale for each question that gives the best answer for you.
Very Poor Poor Neither Poor nor Good
Good Very Good
1 How would your rate your quality of life
1 2 3 4 5
Very
dissatisfied
Dissatisfied Neither
satisfied nor dissatisfied
Satisfied Very satisfied
2 How satisfied are you with your health
1 2 3 4 5
The following questions ask about how much you have experienced certain things in the last four weeks.
Not at all A little A moderate
amount
Very much
An extreme amount 3 To what extent do you feel
that physical pain prevents you from doing what you need to do?
5 4 3 2 1
4 How much do you need medical treatment to function in your daily life?
5 4 3 2 1
5 How much do you enjoy life? 1 2 3 4 5
6 To what extent do you feel your life to be meaningful?
1 2 3 4 5
Not at all A little A moderate amount
Very much
extremely
7 How well are you able to concentrate?
1 2 3 4 5
8 How safe do you feel in your daily life?
1 2 3 4 5
9 How healthy is your physical environment?
1 2 3 4 5
The following questions ask about how completely you experience or were able to do certain things in the last four weeks.
Not at all A little Moderately Mostly Completely 10 Do you have enough
energy everyday life?
1 2 3 4 5
11 Are you able to accept your bodily appearance?
1 2 3 4 5
12 Have you enough money to meet your needs?
1 2 3 4 5