Physical and Psychological Aspects of Low Back Pain Among Saudi Patients: A Case-Control Study

Context: Low back pain (LBP) is a common public health problem, and has a multifactorial etiology that includes not only physical risk factors, but also psychosocial factors. There were several studies that investigated physical and psychosocial factors and their relationship with LBP. However, up to the researchers' knowledge, no studies have been conducted in Saudi Arabia. Aims: To investigate physical and psychological factors in Saudi population with LBP. Settings and Design: A case-control study using self-report measures. Materials and Methods: Arabic versions of the following self-report measures were applied: A 10-cm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to measure pain intensity; the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to record average physical activity levels over the last 7 days; and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) to measure the negative emotional states of depression, anxiety and stress. The above self-report measures were handed to the participants and were collected immediately. Thirty-one patients with LBP and thirty-one control participants matched in body mass index and age participated. Statistical analysis used: Independent t-tests and Pearson Correlation Analysis were used to calculate differences in VAS, IPAQ and DASS between the two groups. Results: Patients with LBP had moderate stress compared to control participants (19.8 and 4.4 respectively, P = 0.0013). Both groups did not present with anxiety or depression. No significant difference was found in any level of activity between the groups. Conclusions: Stress was present in this group of Saudi patients with LBP. Targeting psychological factors associated with LBP, not only physical factors may help improve the management of patients with LBP.