title: Prevalence and pharmacologic treatment of patients with low back pain treated at kosovo energetic corporation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low back pain (LBP) is a common complaint among the general population with a subgroup developing chronic and disabling symptoms generating large societal costs. Recurrences and functional limitations can be minimized with appropriate conservative management, including medications, physical therapy modalities, exercise and patient education.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of low back complaints in industrial workers, to investigate whether individual risk factors involved in the occurrence of LBP, and to determine the most frequent used drug in LBP treatment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data for this study were provided from Kosovo Energetic Corporation. A cross-sectional study design was utilized. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed among 228 industrial workers. Patient with LBP underwent a comprehensive clinical, radiological and biochemical evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  showed that LBP occurred in 63.5% of workers. Individual factors did not show significant associations with LBP. Age (OR=0.99/95% Cl 0.95-1.03), weight (OR=1.13/95% Cl 0.99-1.06), height (OR=0.97/95% Cl 0.91-1.02), and work experience (OR=1.01/95% Cl 0.97-1.05) increase odds for LBP but not significantly. The most frequently used drugs in patients included in this study are NSAIDs. In 33 (55.0%) patients for the treatment of LBP two types of drugs are administered.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increased physical activity, health promotion and reduced body weight can prevent morbidity from LBP. A continuous consultation with the Clinical Pharmacist demonstrates effective way of dosage and drug re-evaluation for the patients with LBP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kosovo.
authors.forename: Zana
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Ibraimi
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo.
authors.forename: Ardiana
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murtezani
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo.
authors.forename: Bekim
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Haxhiu
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo.
authors.forename: Aziz
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mustafa
authors.affiliation: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic, University Clinical Center of Kosovo.
authors.forename: Merita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martinaj
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D007221:Industry; D063826:Kosovo / Q000453:epidemiology; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
keywords: LBP; drug; prevalence; treatment