The impact of positive lifestyle behaviors on direct healthcare cost savings for low back pain.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a previously purpose-developed lifestyle behavior scale and healthcare cost savings related to low back pain (LBP).

Methods: This longitudinal study utilised data from the AUstralian Twin BACK (AUTBACK) study. LBP and lifestyle behavior measures were collected at baseline. Physical activity (PA) was objectively quantified via an accelerometer. A lifestyle behavior scale was created using variables of body mass index, PA, smoking status, and sleep quality. Weekly healthcare utilization for LBP was collected over one year. Healthcare costs were calculated by aggregating expenses for healthcare visits and medications, encompassing personal and Australia Medicare costs, and analyzed by two-part models.

Results: Individuals with lower lifestyle behavior scores, females, and those with a baseline episode of LBP were more likely to incur healthcare utilization costs (n=307). A total of 2.6% of participants accounted for over 56% of the total expenditures. A one-point improvement in the lifestyle behavior scale was significantly associated with 23% decrease in overall healthcare costs for LBP (95%confidence-interval [CI]:7-36%, p=0.006), 25% decrease in medication costs for LBP (95%CI:13-35%, p<0.001), and 27% decrease in healthcare visit costs for LBP (95%CI:14-39%, p<0.001). The predicted difference in yearly healthcare utilization costs between individuals with the lowest and highest lifestyle scores was AU$873.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated the association between greater adherence to positive lifestyle behaviors and reduced healthcare costs related to LBP. Interventions aimed at improving lifestyle behaviors could yield substantial cost savings for individuals and the healthcare system, mitigating the burden of LBP.