Background & Aims

Background: Negative environmental factors, war-related issues, and socio-economic challenges significantly impact societal health, triggering various pathological conditions. There’s been a rise in chronic pain cases among young people, attributed to sedentary lifestyles, psychological stress, and poor dietary habits, potentially leading to chronic pain development. Nutritional status, including unhealthy dietary behaviors, overnutrition, and undernutrition, can influence chronic pain development and prognosis.
Timely identification of nutritional and lifestyle disorders will allow for reducing the manifestations of chronic pain, improving quality of life, and enhancing functional levels.
Aims: To assess the nutritional status and lifestyle of young Ukrainian adults with chronic low back pain for integrating interventions into pain management.

Methods

A study involving 120 young individuals (aged 18-39) with chronic lower back pain was conducted. Anthropometric measurements, including height, weight, and body mass index (BMI), were taken. Grip strength assessment was performed, with the strength index calculated as the ratio of grip strength to body weight. Participants were surveyed regarding dietary habits, physical activity levels, and lifestyle.

Results

The average age was 24.9 ± 11.7 years, with 56% female and 44% male participants. Among men, the average lower back pain intensity was 4.7 ± 3.1 VAS, while for women, it was 4.3. ± 4.6 VAS The average BMI among women was 22.7 ± 6.2 kg/m2 with 52% having normal weight, 17% underweight, 19% overweight, and 12% suffering from first-degree obesity. Among men, the average BMI was 26.7 ± 8.3 kg/m2 with 37% normal weight, 45% underweight, 13% overweight, and 5% with first-degree obesity. Weight gain during the war was observed in 56% of men and 40% of women.
Regarding dietary habits, 87% of men considered their diet irrational, while 57% of women shared the same view. A majority of both genders had only 2 main meals, with late dinners common. Fast food and sweets abuse were prevalent, especially among men. Abnormal physical activity levels (<150 minutes per week) were seen in 53% of men and 47% of women. Regarding strength index, 75% of men and 67% of women exhibited low levels, indicating insufficient muscle strength. Prolonged sitting was common, with the majority spending over 3 hours sedentary, lacking active breaks, potentially impacting cognitive function and contributing to musculoskeletal pain.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the importance of integrating interventions targeting nutritional status and lifestyle into pain management and prevention strategies for young Ukrainian adults with CLBP. Addressing poor dietary habits, promoting physical activity, and reducing sedentary behavior are essential for improving overall health outcomes and reducing the burden of chronic pain in this population.

References

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Presenting Author

Mariia Ovdii

Poster Authors

Mariia Ovdii

PhD, Associate Professor

Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine

Lead Author

E-mail

Topics

  • Specific Pain Conditions/Pain in Specific Populations: Low Back Pain