A systematic review on the predictive factors for developing low back pain in healthcare students

Objective: To summarize the evidence regarding the predictive factors for low back pain (LBP) in healthcare students. Data Sources and Selection: Nine databases were searched using keywords related to the predictive factors for LBP in healthcare students. Two reviewers independently selected citations based on predetermined criteria, and extracted relevant data and determine risk of bias of the included studies. Results and Conclusion: Eight out of 2,067 potential citations were included. Specifically, seven prospective studies involved nursing (n¼4), nursing assistant (n ¼1), dental (n¼1), and dental hygienist students (n¼1) while one retrospective study involved medical students. The sample size of the included studies ranged from 33 to 694. While 17 physical and psychological predictive factors were found to be significant, only three of them (a history of LBP, stress/mental pressure, and moderate physical activity) were consistently reported to be significant by at least three studies. The major risks of bias included no description of ‘‘participants’ selection criteria’’ and ‘‘the characteristics of dropout participants’’. Given that early evelopment of LBP in healthcare students may predispose them to frequent LBP recurrence, future prospective studies should identify predictive factors for LBP in students across all healthcare disciplines.Department of Rehabilitation Sciences2016-2017 > Academic research: refereed > Publication in refereed journalbcm