Abstract
Background: While it may seem reasonable to suggest that obesity places undue stress on the pelvis, back, and spine triggering the development of chronic back pain, the association has long been a point of contention among researchers. This study aimed to determine the relationships between waist circumference, body mass index, and low back pain in the elderly.
Subjects and Method: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Helvetia Community Health Center, Medan, North Sumatra. A sample of the elderly was taken at random from the community health center for this study. The dependent variable was low back pain (LBP). The independent variables were waist circumference and body mass index (BMI). The waist circumference was measured by tape measure. The BMI was measured by a weight scale and microtoise. The mean difference in waist circumference and BMI were tested by t-test.
Results: Waist circumference was larger in the elderly with LBP than without LBP, and this difference was statistically significant (p= 0.023). BMI was larger in the elderly with LBP than without LBP, and this difference was statistically significant (p= 0.044).
Conclusion: The risk of LBP in the elderly is associated with a large waist circumference and large BMI.
Keywords: waist circumference, body mass index, low back pain, elderly.
Correspondence:
Claudio Immanuel Gurning. Student of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Methodist Indonesia. Jl. Setia Budi Pasar 2 Tj. Sari, Medan Selayang, Medan, North Sumatera, Indonesia. Email: diogurning952@gmail.com. Mobile: : 085207568614.
Article Data
