Prevalence and factors associated with chronic low back pain in students of the university of Dschang: a cross-sectional study in a sub-Saharan university

Background Chronic low back pain is a health issue affecting more young people worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors linked to chronic low back pain among students at the University of Dschang. Methods We carried out a two-part study focusing on students at the University of Dschang. For the descriptive cross-sectional part, sampling was stratified by faculty and level of study. Participants were chosen systematically, and data were collected through interviews using a pre-tested questionnaire. We calculated the prevalence of chronic low back pain. In the case-control part, students with chronic low back pain served as cases, while those without low back pain were controls. They were matched for age and sex, with one case for every two controls. An adjusted OR was estimated to assess the association between determinants, considering confounding factors, with a 95% CI and assuming p -value < 5%. Results A total of 1,539 students took part in our study, with a sex ratio of 0.79. The participants’ median age was 20 years [IQR 19–22]. The prevalence of chronic low back pain was 6.2% [95% CI 5.0–7.3]. Most students with chronic low back pain (64.2%) had a mild Roland-Morris disability score (1–6). Being overweight or obese was independently associated with chronic low back pain [ORa = 1.82 (1.02–3.24); p = 0.041], as was having a parental history of low back pain [ORa = 2.6 (1.53–4.43); p < 0.001]. Conclusion One in fifteen students at the University of Dschang suffers from chronic low back pain. Being overweight or obese and having a parental history of low back pain were strongly linked to chronic low back pain. Physical exercise and a healthy diet are recommended to help regulate BMI.