Gender Differences in Disability Among the Armenian Population with Chronic Back Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire
Hasmik V. Sargsyan1*, Mariam A. Manukyan1,2, Nairi S. Aghasaryan3, Nune S. Yeghiazaryan1,4
1 Department of Neurology, Erebouni Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
2 Armenian Medical Institute, Yerevan, Armenia
3 Department of Anesthesiology, Erebouni Medical Center, Yerevan, Armenia
4 Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Avdalbekyan National Institute of Health, Yerevan, Armenia
ABSTRACT
Background: Chronic back pain (CBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that significantly impairs daily functioning and quality of life. Understanding gender-based differences in disability associated with CBP is crucial for developing tailored management strategies. Although previous studies have indicated variations in pain perception and functional limitations between men and women, data from the Armenian population are scarce.
Objective: To investigate gender differences in disability levels among Armenian patients with CBP using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,562 Armenian adults with CBP and no history of spinal surgery (967 females, 595 males). All participants completed the Armenian version of the ODI. Independent two-sample t-tests assuming unequal variances were used to compare mean total and domain-specific ODI scores between genders.
Results: Statistically significant gender-based differences were found in several ODI domains. Men reported higher pain intensity (mean=40.1, SD=20.32) compared to women (mean=36.4, SD=19.00; p<0.001). Conversely, women demonstrated greater functional impairment in specific areas of daily life, particularly in personal care (p=0.0026) and lifting activities (p=0.0125). These results indicate that while men may experience and report greater pain intensity, women are more affected by limitations in self-care and manual handling tasks.
Conclusion: This study identifies significant gender-based differences in the experience and impact of CBP among Armenian patients. Men tend to report more sever pain, whereas women experience greater functional disability in daily activities. Incorporating gender-sensitive assessment and management approaches may enhance the effectiveness of CBP treatment and improve patient-centered care outcomes.
Keywords: Chronic back pain; Disability; Gender; Oswestry Disability Index; Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire