Predictors of health-related quality of life and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain

Abstract

Background: The quality of life in patients with chronic low-back pain is lower in comparison with that in general population. This seriously affects the functional ability and working status of young and adult population. The aim of this study was to determine the level of disability and the health-related quality of life in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 187 patients (45.5 % of men, mean age 50.1 years) with chronic non-specific low back pain attending physical therapy program. We used Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS), Euroqol questionnaire (EQq), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Results: Mean ODI score ± SD was 14.6 ± 9.0. Mean score of EQ-5D was 3.6 ± 1.6 points and of EQ-VAS 55.4 ± 18.3 points. Mean score on VAS was 6.0 ± 2.1 points. An independent factor associated with lower quality of life on EQ-VAS was higher level of chronic pain. Independent factors associated with a lower quality of life on EQ-5D were the presence of anxiety and depression, higher level of chronic pain, and the presence of chronic disease. Independent factors associated with greater disability measured on ODI were the presence of signs of anxiety and depression, higher level of chronic pain, and the presence of any chronic disease. Conclusions: Chronic low back pain can be the cause of greater disability and lower quality of life, especially in patients with somatic and mental co-morbidities, in female patients and in patients with higher levels of chronic pain. Doctors should focus on active search for signs of depression and anxiety and better pain management in patients with chronic low back pain, especially if somatic co-morbidities exist.