Comparing the relations of demographic indicators, health status and physical fitness, socioeconomic indicators and sexual function with quality of life in women with chronic non-specific low back pain

Introduction: Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems. Various complications such as disability, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, stress, decreased sexual function and quality of life have been reported with chronic low back pain. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the relationship between demographic, health status and physical fitness, socio-economic indicators  and  sexual function indicators on the quality of life of women with chronic non specific low back pain. Method: The present cross-sectional study was performed in 2020 in the private center of Cyrus Physiotherapy in Tehran, Iran. Thirty married women with non-specific chronic low back pain who were sexually active and living in Tehran were included in the study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. At first, the goals and process of the study were explained to them and they were given written consent to participate in the study. Then demographic information was recorded and pain, sexual function and quality of life were measured using relevant tools. This study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences (Ethics Code: IR.USWR.REC.1399.083) .  IBM SPSS Statistics v22 software was used for statistical tests. Pearson correlation test was used to examine the relationship between the above variables. Results:  The mean and S.D of  age of participants was 38.6 ± 7.48 years .  Pearson correlation test analysis showed that between quality of life with body mass index (R = -. 406, P = .026) inversely, and with sexual function score (R = .379, P = .039), general health status (R = .436, P = .016), physical fitness status (R = .406, P = .026 ) and level of education (R = .463, P = .010)) There is a significant direct relationship, but between quality of life with age (R = -. 172, P = .364), number of children (-166. R =, P = .382), pain intensity (R = -. 181, P = .339) and regular exercise (R = - .159, P= 40 .402), no significant relationship was found. Quality of life, respectively, showed a stronger relationship with education level, health status, physical fitness status and body mass index, and finally sexual performance index.   Discussion & Conclusion: In women with chronic non-specific back pain participating in the present study, the lower the body mass index, the higher the level of education and sexual function score, as well as the general health and physical fitness status.  The quality of life of the present study participants was better. However, the results of this study did not confirm the relationships between quality of life and age, number of children, pain intensity and regular exercises. Improving education, health status, fitness status and body mass index, and sexual function index help improve quality of life.