THE PREVALENCE OF LOW BACK PAIN IN MEDICAL STUDENTS AT A UNIVERSITY IN WESTERN PARANÁ

Abstract

Low back pain is extremely common in the general population, in young academics this pain tends to be accentuated and even more common due to long hours spent in the same position and due to a sedentary lifestyle, which is very common in this population. The objective of this study is to identify the prevalence of low back pain in medical students in the basic and clinical cycle, since these are the ones who spend the most time sitting for long periods. Questionnaires were applied to students at a university in western Paraná, seeking to identify the prevalence and factors of improvement and worsening of pain. A percentage of 68.2% of punctual pain was found, and it is important to consider that 84.7% of those interviewed are under 26 years old, unlike the average age of the Brazilian population. The discussion regarding these data led to the identification that physical activity, correct postural habits, few hours spent at the computer and in the same position were factors in improving pain and that prolonged hours in the same position, lack of physical exercise, postural errors and the period of academic exams were factors in worsening low back pain in this population.