Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Determinants Associated With Low Back Pain Severity in Ukrainian Sample

Abstract

Background

Most people have experienced low back pain, which significantly deteriorates their quality of life and causes a financial burden on society. Understanding the associations of low back pain severity with sociodemographic and psychosocial determinants in a sample of Ukrainians experiencing low back pain is essential for improving treatment.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling (N = 341) through an online survey questionnaire among Ukrainian refugees in Czechia. Self-reported physical and mental health, depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (BAI), and sociodemographic factors were measured. Linear regressions were conducted to understand the association between self-reported physical and mental health determinants, anxiety, depression, sociodemographic characteristics, and low back pain.

Results

Most participants with low back pain experienced moderate to concerning levels of anxiety (97.1%) and moderate to severe depression (92%). They estimated their physical and mental health from fair to very bad. The links between low back pain severity and having some limitations in everyday life or being disabled; lifestyle; age; socioeconomic status; and self-reported physical health status were revealed.

Conclusions

The study identified the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as self-reported physical and mental health statuses, and found psychosocial determinants of health associated with low back pain in the Ukrainian sample.