PREVALENCE OF NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN AND ITS RISK FACTORS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Background: Non -specific low back pain is a condition common in students, characterized by the weight, pain intensity and functional disability. Methods: Four hundred twenty -three students participated in this observational study students with non-specific low back pain. Outcome measures used are Numerical pain rating scale, Oswestry disability index questionnaire. Participants and data was collected through goggle survey form through offline forms and online survey Summary of methodology, including participants, interventionanddataanalysis. Results: A total of 423 university students participated in this study. The prevalence of moderate non-specific low back pain (NPRS 4–6) was found to be 61.7%, while 16.8% of participants demonstrated moderate functional disability (ODI 21–40%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant moderate positive correlation between pain intensity and functional disability (r ≈ 0.31, p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis also showed a significant association between moderate pain and disability (p = 0.004). Most lifestyle-related factors such as duration of sitting and frequency of physical activity were not statistically significant (p > 0.05), whereas mode of transportation and type of physical activity showed significant associations with disability (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Most university students had moderate non-specific low back pain. Higher pain intensity was associated with greater functional disability. Student travel and physical activity may contribute to NSLBP. Problem seems multifactorial. The findings highlight the need for early intervention, ergonomic awareness, and physiotherapy-based preventive strategies to reduce low back pain and improve functional outcomes in this group. Keywords: Numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Oswestry disability index questionnaire (ODI), Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), Among university students with back pain.