Functional Disability Profile and Associated Factors Among Patients with Mechanical Low Back Pain Using Oswestry Disability Index at Sanjiwani General Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Low Back Pain (LBP) is a major global musculoskeletal condition that significantly impairs daily physical function and productivity. Assessing functional disability in clinical settings is essential for designing targeted rehabilitation strategies. Objective: To evaluate the functional disability profile and examine the clinical and physical characteristics of patients with Mechanical LBP. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 42 Mechanical LBP patients at the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic of Sanjiwani General Hospital Gianyar. Demographic, anthropometric, and occupational data were collected. Functional disability was evaluated using the Indonesian version of the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Data were analyzed using univariate descriptors, Pearson correlation, Spearman rank correlation, independent t-test, and Chi-square test. Results and Discussion: The mean ODI score was 19.81 ± 8.60, with the majority experiencing severe (40.5%) and moderate (35.7%) disability. A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between age and ODI score (r = 0.416, p = 0.006). No significant associations were observed between ODI scores and Body Mass Index (r_s = -0.017, p = 0.914), gender (t = -1.437, p = 0.158), or occupation (p = 0.306). However, linear-by-linear association revealed a significant trend toward higher disability in heavy physical laborers (p = 0.021). Conclusion: Patients with LBP predominantly present with moderate-to-severe functional disability. Advanced age and heavy physical workload are key contributors to functional impairment, underscoring the need for age-tailored active rehabilitation and ergonomic intervention.