Prevalence and correlates of low back pain among occupational therapy students in Northern Queensland.
BACKGROUND
Although low back pain (LBP) is an important issue for the health profession, few studies have examined LBP among occupational therapy students.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the prevalence and distribution of LBP, its adverse sequelae; and to identify potential risk factors.


METHODS
In 2005, a self-reported questionnaire was administered to occupational therapy students in Northern Queensland.


RESULTS
The 72-month period-prevalence of LBP was 64.6%. Nearly half (46.9%) had experienced pain for over 2 days, 38.8% suffered LBP that affected their daily lives, and 24.5% had sought medical treatment. The prevalence of LBP ranged from 45.5 to 77.1% (p = 0.004), while the prevalence of LBP symptoms persisting longer than two days was 34.1 to 62.5% (p = 0.020). Logistic regression analysis indicated that year of study and weekly computer usage were statistically-significant LBP risk factors.


CONCLUSIONS
The occupational therapy profession will need to further investigate the high prevalence of student LBP identified in this study.
Leggat
Peter A
PA
School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Peter.Leggat@jcu.edu.au
Smith
Derek R
DR
Clark
Michele J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003201:Computers; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D013334:Students; D013997:Time Factors