The Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Its Correlation with Functional Disability, Quality of Life, and Body Mass Index in Military Staff

Today, low back pain is a major problem worldwide that threatens the health and lives of people in all professions. Military staff are at a greater risk of low back injuries due to their occupational status. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of low back pain and its correlation with Body Mass Index (BMI), functional disability, and quality of life in military staff.
This descriptive, correlational research was conducted on 200 military staff from a training center in Isfahan selected through convenience sampling. Low back pain, functional disability, and quality of life were measured using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Functional Disability Questionnaires’ (ODQ), and World Health Organization Quality of Life questionnaire, respectively. Then, the data were analyzed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson’s correlation coefficient)
The study findings revealed that 96% of the military staff had different degrees of low back pain. The results also showed significant correlations between low back pain and BMI (r=0.49), functional disability (r=0.55), and quality of life (r=-0.44).
The study findings showed that a large number of the staff had different degrees of low back pain. Therefore, comprehensive investigation and provision of the ground for modification of physical activity patterns are essential among military staff.