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

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.