Background: Non-Specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a common
musculoskeletal disorder that leads to impaired physical activity (PA) level and
functional limitation, which might cause disability. This study evaluated the
self-reported PA level and associated factors among NSCLBP patients.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 57 patients purposively
recruited from the out-patient physiotherapy clinics of two tertiary hospitals.
A self-structured questionnaire, long form of International Physical Activity
Questionnaire, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire and Modified Assessing
Levels of Physical Activity and fitness (ALPHA) environmental questionnaires
were administered to assess the patient’s socio- demographic/clinical profile,
PA level, disability level and environmental characteristics respectively.
Pearson Chi-square and Spearman rank correlation were used to determine the
associations between the variables of interest. Alpha level was set at P <0.05.
Results: Males had a higher JRPA, TRPA and LTPA. Females had a higher DGPA.
Age was significantly negatively moderately correlated with JRPA (P=0.001),
TRPA (P=0.016), DGPA (P=0.021) and LTPA (P=0.007). Highest Educational
level was significantly positively moderately correlated with JRPA (P=0.001)
and LTPA (P=0.002). Pain intensity and disability had a significant negative
weak correlation with TRPA (P=0.001) and LTPA (P=0.048), respectively,
while sidewalks availability was significantly positively moderately correlated
with LTPA (P=0.001). Crime safety at day (P=0.001) and at night (P=0.024) was
significantly moderately negatively correlated with LTPA.
Conclusion: The PA level of NSCLBP patients was moderate and influenced by
socio-demographic, clinical and environmental factors. These factors should be
considered in the management of these patients to encourage and promote PA
participation
