title: Prevalence and correlates of low back pain among occupational therapy students in Northern Queensland.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia. Peter.Leggat@jcu.edu.au
authors.forename: Peter A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Leggat
authors.forename: Derek R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Michele J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: 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