Prevalence and Associated Factors of Back Pain among Medical Students in Sudan

Abstract

Background: Back pain affects old and young adults, and it is a common complain among medical students. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of back pain and associated factors among medical students in Sudan. Method: An observational multi-universal cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022, involving 433 medical students selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected by electronic Google Form questionnaire designed to assess demographic features, back pain characteristics, and triggering factors. Data analysis was done by statistical package for social sciences. Result: The prevalence of back pain among medical students in Sudan is 69.3%, with a statistically insignificant difference between preclinical and clinical students ( p value : 0.378), and between male and female students ( p value : 0.826). The lower back is the commonest site of pain (75%). The majority of the students experience moderate pain (53.9%). They did not use medications (81%). Sitting for long hours is the most common trigger (87.9%) and the pain did not interfere with the daily activities (71%). Conclusion: Back pain is a common complain among medical students in Sudan. Medical schools should raise the awareness of the students about back pain.