Neck and low back pain among medical students at UWI Mona
The Prevalence of Neck and Low Back Pain in Medical Students at The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica
This project will test whether a standardised spine exercise program helps medical students at UWI Mona who have neck or low back pain while also measuring how common these pains are and students' spine-health knowledge.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of The West Indies Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Kingston, Kingston and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03707288 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The project first measures the prevalence of neck and low back pain among medical students at the University of the West Indies, Mona and collects data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices about spine health. Students who report neck or low back pain are enrolled in a prospective randomized design and assigned to either a standardised spine exercise program or a clinical control group. Outcomes focus on changes in pain and function after the intervention and on differences in KAP (knowledge, attitude, practice) metrics across the cohort. The work targets medical students in Kingston, Jamaica and addresses a gap in regional data on musculoskeletal complaints in this population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are medical students enrolled at UWI Mona who have neck or low back pain, are willing to consent, and are able to adhere to the standardised exercise program.
Not a fit: Students with prior spine surgery or a diagnosed spine pathology currently receiving rehabilitation, and those unwilling to participate, are unlikely to benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the exercise program could reduce neck and low back pain and improve spine-health habits among participating medical students.
How similar studies have performed: Exercise-based spine programs have demonstrated benefit for neck and low back pain in other populations, though this specific Caribbean medical-student population is understudied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. All students enrolled in the medical program at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica during the period October 1, 2018 to January 2, 2026. 2. Individuals who express a willingness to consent to the study. 3. Individuals who express a willingness to adhere to the standardised exercise program for the stipulated period. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals with a history of having spine surgery. 2. Individuals who were previously diagnosed with spine pathology and currently receiving rehabilitation therapy. 3. Individuals who express an unwillingness to participate in the study.
Where this trial is running
Kingston, Kingston and 1 other locations
- Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex,The University of the West Indies, University Hospital of the West Indies — Kingston, Kingston, Jamaica (Not_yet_recruiting)
- Faculty of Medical Sciences Teaching and Research Complex, University of The West Indies-Mona Campus — Kingston, Jamaica (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR — Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica.
- Study coordinator: Paula U. A. Dawson, MBBS, Diplomate ABPMR
- Email: paula.dawson@uwimona.edu.jm
- Phone: 1-876-927-1297
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.