Impact of Positive Lifestyle Behaviors on Direct Health Care Cost Savings for Low Back Pain

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between a previously purpose-developed lifestyle behavior scale and health care cost savings related to low back pain (LBP). Methods: This longitudinal study used data from the Australian Twin Back (AUTBACK) study. LBP and lifestyle behavior measures were collected at baseline. Physical activity (PA) was objectively quantified via an accelerometer. A lifestyle behavior scale was created using variables of body mass index, PA, smoking status, and sleep quality. Weekly health care use for LBP was collected over one year. Health care costs were calculated by aggregating expenses for health care visits and medications, encompassing pers..