The association of health anxiety with low back pain and physical inactivity in Chinese university students: a structural equation modeling study

Health anxiety was linked to both physical inactivity and LBP, and physical inactivity partially accounted for this association. The findings underscore the importance of integrated approaches addressing both psychological concerns and activity-related behaviors among university students. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify temporal pathways and evaluate whether interventions targeting health anxiety or sedentary behavior may help reduce LBP in young adults.