Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Lockdown on Back Pain Intensity, Prevalence and Associated Risk Factor Among Adults in Malaysia
https://doi.org/10.47836/mjmhs.19.6.3
- Author:
Chun Chian Ying
1
;
Teong Tsai Yuan
1
;
Chan Zhi Leng
1
;
Foong Le Hui
1
;
Mona Mohamed Ibrahim Abdalla
2
;
Brinnell Annette Caszo
2
;
Huma Shahzad
2
Author Information
1. Department of Biomedical Science, School of Heath Science, International Medical University (IMU), 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2. Human Biology Department, School of Medicine, International Medical University (IMU), 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Back pain, COVID-19, Malaysia, Prevalence, Risk factors
- From:Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
2023;19(No.6):10-17
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction: Low back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) that leads to a variety of negative
consequences. The prevalence of LBP was found to be high worldwide. Individuals have been forced to remote
studying or working conditions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, exposing them to the
risk factors of LBP to a greater extent. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 623 adults and aimed to assess
LBP intensity and prevalence among adults in Malaysia before and during the COVID-19 lockdown and to identify
the association between demographic, physical and psychological factors with LBP. Methods: A self-administered
questionnaire composed of 36 questions regarding demographic characteristics, physical activities and psychological aspects was distributed to the public. Pearson’s Chi-square and Fisher Exact tests were performed using collected
data to assess the association between LBP intensity and various risk factors. Results: The prevalence of LBP increased from 64.4% before the lockdown to 83.5% during the lockdown. LBP intensity significantly increased during
the lockdown. Before lockdown, factors associated with LBP intensity included gender and stress level. While during
the lockdown, age, gender, occupation, time spent on computer use, ergonomics as well as stress level affected the
intensity of LBP. Conclusion: The present study showed that the COVID-19 lockdown has contributed to the increase
in both the prevalence and intensity of LBP among Malaysians. The identified risk factors include age, gender, occupation, duration of sitting and computer use, adherence to ergonomic recommendations, and stress level.
- Full text:11.2023my1657.pdf
