Covariance structural modeling-based multi-group analysis among living envrionment, housework and chronic low back pain

The purpose of this paper is to consider the living environment for health promotion focusing on chronic low back pain symptoms. The questionnaire survey was conducted including 4,040 adult women with a medical history of low back pain. The method of covariance structural modeling-based multi-group analysis was used. The findings are as followings; (1) Exploratory factor analysis revealed that living environment, housework and chronic low back pain consisted of 23 items and five factors: " chronic low back pain ", " stress and fatigue ", " total hours of housework ", " enjoying housework " and " satisfaction of living environment ". (2) "Stress and Fatigue" have affected "Chronic Low Back Pain " greatly. (3) "Enjoying Housework" and "Satisfaction of Living Environment" had a slightly negative direct effect on "Chronic Low Back Pain " although they had greater positive indirect impact on "Chronic Low Back Pain " through "Stress and Fatigue". (4) Path coefficients to "stress and fatigue" from " enjoying housework " was greater in the elderly group than younger groups. (5) Path coefficient to "chronic low back pain" from "total hours of housework" was a negative relationship in non-exercise group. Because for those who do not have regular exercise, housework time was working as an exercise, could have fewer chronic low back pain was suggested.