article · Clinical Medicine Insights Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Disorders
Non-specific low back pain is closely linked to sexual dysfunctions, yet research investigating this relationship has been limited. A cross-sectional investigation across Yaounde, Douala, and Bafoussam evaluated 409 adult patients, comprising 233 men and 176 women, using validated clinical questionnaires. Findings revealed an overall sexual dysfunction prevalence of 43 percent among patients experiencing non-specific low back pain. Among women, sexual desire and excitement experienced the greatest disruption, whereas men suffered most in sexual desire and overall satisfaction. Several physical, psychological, and demographic factors showed significant association with these dysfunctions. Key determinants included being female, being overweight, pain intensity, pain catastrophising, hypoflexibility, reduced erector spinae and abdominal muscle strength, depression, anxiety, and general physical disability. These outcomes show that comprehensive clinical management of back pain requires addressing multifaceted physical and psychological variables.
Low back pain often creates hidden complications that extend far beyond physical discomfort. By revealing that more than four in ten patients experience sexual dysfunction, this research draws attention to an overlooked aspect of patient well-being. Recognising the contributing roles of mental health, weight, and muscle strength can help healthcare providers design more holistic treatment plans that address quality of life alongside spinal health.
The abstract does not indicate a direct commercial application pathway, as it reports observational clinical research. However, the identified determinants could inform early-stage development of multidisciplinary assessment tools or clinical protocols for healthcare practitioners treating chronic back pain. Any resulting clinical management tools remain at an early research stage.
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Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a significant factor involved in the onset of sexual dysfunctions (SDs). However, studies demonstrating the correlation between these 2 conditions are rare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated to SDs in patients suffering from NSLBP in Cameroon. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients suffering from NSLBP in the 3 main town (Yaoundé, Douala and Bafoussam) of Cameroon. Clinical characteristics and sexual activity of these patients were evaluated using validated questionnaires such as the Oswestry Disability Index, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Pain Catastrophizing Scale, the Male sexual Health-Questionnaire, and the Female Sexual Function Index. Results: Data from 409 patients (233 men and 176 women) were collected and included in this study. The overall prevalence of SDs related to NSLBP was 43%. The most affected sexual activity domains were desire (2.7 ± 1.4) and excitement (3.2 ± 1.4) in women. In men, desire (15.2 ± 5.7) and sexual satisfaction (15 ± 6.8) were most affected. Several associations were found between SD in NSLBP patients and some variables such as: overweight (odds ratio [OR] = 1.882, P = .005), female (OR = 1.518, P = .03), pain intensity (OR = 1.365, P = .0001), pain catastrophizing (OR = 1.076, P = .0003), hypoflexibility (OR = 1.029, P = .0009), reduced erector spinae (OR = 0.984, P = .0009), abdominal muscle strength (OR = 0.983, P = .016), depression (OR = 1.177, P < . 0001), anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.168, P < . 0001), and disability (OR = 1.165, P < . 0001). Conclusion: The relatively high prevalence of SDs related to NSLBP highlights the close relationship between these 2 conditions and their associated factors in Cameroon. These results highlight many factors that must be taken into account in the management of SDs related to NSLBP.
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DOI: 10.1177/11795441261481095
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