Impact of Socioeconomic Disparities, General Health, Reproductive, and Exercise Status in Indian Women with Lumbopelvic Pain

Evidence suggests links between several health conditions and lumbopelvic pain (LPP) in women beyond the commonly associated musculoskeletal origins of LPP.

This study explored the association of LPP with general health conditions, stress, exercise, and socioeconomic status in Indian women.

In a cross-sectional study, 500 urban women from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds were asked to fill out a self-report questionnaire that sampled their health and reproductive status.

Women sampled were in the age range of 18-62 years. Overall, the prevalence of LPP was found to be 76.8% and was predominantly observed in women from the lower socioeconomic strata (70.5%), compared to women from the higher strata (29.4%). Multivariate logistic regression identified gynecological issues, such as menstrual problems (O.R.= 472.86, p<0.0001); polycystic ovarian syndrome (O.R.= 125.04, p=0.010); and health issues, such as urinary incontinence (O.R.=3078.24, p=0.001); chronic cough (O.R.= 84.97, p<0.0001); stress (O.R.= 474.27, p<0.0001) as being significantly related to LPP. Additionally, ‘no exercise’ (O.R.= 360.15, p <0.0001) was also strongly associated with LPP.

Our data suggest that LPP is a significant problem in Indian women, with a greater prevalence in women from the lower strata of society. Importantly, given that several general, gynecological health issues, psychological stress, and a lack of exercise are associated with it, there is a need for LPP sensitization at a community and public health level. Regarding its prevention and long-term management, it is important to rule out and consider the impact of these factors on LPP, beyond its musculoskeletal origins.