THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN ON QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN WITH VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS IN MIRPUR CITY AJK

Abstract

Background: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders globally, significantly impacting quality of life (QoL). Despite its high occurrence, there is limited research on its effect on working women in semi-urban regions like Mirpur,AJK. Objective: To determine the impact of CLBP on work-related quality of life (WRQoL) among women employed in different occupational sectors in Mirpur. Method: Descriptive cross-sectional study was implemented among 228 working women (nurses, teachers, bankers) aged 25-40 having 6 months or more of CLBP in the period of 6 months in Mirpur City. Functional disability was measured using the ODI and the WRQoL scale was used to measure the functional disability. Approval was obtained ethically and data analyzed via SPSS, which involved descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation and simple linear regression. Result: The study found a high burden of CLBP, with 45.6% weak, 32% moderate, and 11% severe cases, while 45.6% had moderate disability and 12.7% severe disability affecting daily activities. Despite this, most participants reported moderate (63.2%) or high (30.7%) WRQoL, though many faced pressure (31.1%), stress (38.2%), and long work hours (70.6%). A small but positive correlation (r = 0.124, p = 0.061) was observed between disability and WRQoL. Conclusion: CLBP significantly affects the physical, emotional, and social QoL of working women in Mirpur, though employment value may help buffer its impact. These findings align with global trends, highlighting the need for targeted prevention and intervention measures