Prevalence of Low Back Pain and its Effect on Quality of Life among Patients Attending Abokhalefa Center, Ismailia Governorate

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common muscu-loskeletal disorder affecting 80% of people at some point in their lives. In the United States it is the most common cause of job-related disability, a leading contributor to missed work. The quality of life in patients with low-back pain is lower in comparison with that in general population. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of LBP and its effect on quality of life. Design: A cross sectional study. Methods: The study was conducted in abu-khalefa family center, Ismailia Governorate on 259 of attendees aged 18-65 years, data were collected through a semi structured question-naire containing three parts 1st part containing socio-demo-graphic information, 2nd part about characteristics of LBP and 3rd part investigating the effect of LBP on QOL through oswestry disability questionnaire. Results: Prevalence of LBP was 48%, it was more in males (57.3%) than females (42.7%). There was statistically significant relationship between LBP and each of age, marital status and income. (61 %) of patients with LBP had minimal disability, (24%) had moderate disability, (12%) had severe disability, (2%) were bed-bound or exaggerate their symptoms and (1%) were crippled. There was statistically significant relationship between degree of disability and each of age, gender, marital status, residence and income. Conclusion: LBP is a prevalent disorder and has a signif-icant impact on work, lifestyle and social well-being.