Oswestry Disability Index Scores and the Relationship to Age, Gender and Diagnosis in a Cohort of Patients with Low Back Pain

Background: The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a commonly used patient reported outcome measure for measuring disability and Quality of Life (QOL) impairment in adult patients in both clinical and research practice. Whilst excellent reliability has been demonstrated the effect of variables such as gender and age on ODI scores appear less well reported. Objective: This study explores the relationship between total ODI scores and factors such as age, gender and diagnosis in a group of low back pain patients. Methods: All patients attending a Spinal Assessment Clinic (SAC) completed the ODI questionnaire at their initial appointment. Data was also collected on age, gender and provisional diagnosis. Results: ODI summary scores were available for 573 patients, with non-specific pain (n=444, 77%), lumbar radiculopathy (n=87, 15%) and spinal claudication (n=42, 7%). Only gender was related to ODI score, with females reporting higher ODI scores across all diagnostic categories, although the average difference between male and female scores failed to reach the Minimally Clinically Important Difference in all categories. Conclusions: A patient’s self-reported levels of disability, as measured by the ODI are influenced by their gender more than by their diagnosis or age