Prevalence and profile of low back pain and its associated factors among undergraduate medical students: A Jordanian cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Worldwide, medical students frequently have low back pain (LBP); the rigorous study schedules and training requirements of their program place them at increased risk.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence and profile of LBP among medical students in Jordan, and to examine its associations with demographics, physical activity, and sleep quality.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 252 undergraduate medical students (63% female, aged 18–24 years, with a mean height of 1.7 ± 0.1 m and a mean weight of 66.1 ± 13.1 kg). Participants were recruited from public and private medical schools (February-April 2025). Data on LBP were collected (12-month prevalence, duration, impact, and associated symptoms). Widely validated instruments were used; the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire for assessing musculoskeletal symptoms, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire for evaluating physical activity levels, and the Sleep Quality Scale provides a measure of subjective sleep quality. Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS; chi-square and logistic regression were used to identify the associations between variables.

Results

The 12-month prevalence of LBP was 69%, higher in females (72.3%) (p = 0.18). Basic-level students reported a significantly higher prevalence (76.1%) (p = 0.04). Among those with LBP, 48.3% reported activity limitations, and 79.3% reported poor sleep quality. Logistic regression identified academic level (OR = 0.489, p = 0.03) and poor sleep (OR = 2.207, p = 0.01) as predictors.

Conclusion

LBP is common among Jordanian medical students and is significantly associated with academic level and poor sleep. Promoting awareness of posture, exercise, and healthy sleep habits may help reduce the burden of LBP in this population.