Association between problematic internet use and kinesiophobia-related factors in adults aged 18–45 years With non-specific low back pain: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundCKQ-based kinesiophobia-related factors may reflect biological and psychological barriers to movement in low back pain (LBP). Their association with problematic internet use in adults with non-specific LBP remains unclear.ObjectiveTo examine the association between problematic internet use and CKQ-based kinesiophobia-related factor scores in adults aged 18-45 years with non-specific LBP, with pain intensity as a secondary variable.MethodsThis single-center, cross-sectional study included 140 adults aged 18-45 years presenting to a family medicine outpatient clinic between June 3 and July 3, 2024. CKQ mean score was the primary outcome. Problematic internet use was assessed using the Young Internet Addiction Test-Short Form (YIAT-SF), and pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Spearman correlations, pain-group comparisons, and multivariable regression were performed.ResultsMean VAS, YIAT-SF, and CKQ mean scores were 4.20 ± 2.49, 29.37 ± 10.29, and 2.61 ± 0.97, respectively. YIAT-SF correlated positively with CKQ mean score (r = 0.579, p < 0.001). VAS pain intensity showed a weak positive correlation with CKQ mean score (r = 0.179, p = 0.035). Moderate pain was associated with higher YIAT-SF and CKQ mean scores than mild pain, but the severe pain group did not consistently show the highest scores. In regression, YIAT-SF showed the strongest association with CKQ mean score (standardized β=0.547, p < 0.001).ConclusionProblematic internet use was associated with higher CKQ mean scores in adults aged 18-45 years with non-specific LBP. Pain-intensity findings were weaker and did not indicate a clear dose-response pattern. Longitudinal studies are needed.