International Journal of Health and Pharmaceutical (IJHP)
Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026): May 2026

The Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Pain Intensity in Patients With Lumbar Nucleus Pulposus Hernia (HNP)

Patria Adri Wibhawa (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Tranggono Yudo Utomo (Regional General Hospital, Dr. Chasbullah Abdulmadjid, Bekasi, Indonesia)
Agus Yudawijaya (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia)
Gabriella Natasha Levina Sihombing (Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Kristen Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Apr 2026

Abstract

Lumbar Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP) is one of the main causes of low back pain that can reduce the quality of life of sufferers. Risk factor that affect the intensity of pain in HNP patients include body mass index (BMI). An increase in BMI can cause additional mechanical stress on the lumbar spine, alter posture, and exacerbate pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between BMI and pain intensity in patients with lumbar HNP at Budhi Asih General Hospital. This study used an analytical observational research method with a cross-sectional approach. The study sample consisted of 54 patients. BMI data obtained from measuring the patients' height and weight were classified according to WHO categories, while pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) instrument. Data analysis using the Chi-Square test showed a significant relationship between BMI and pain intensity in patients with lumbar HNP (P < 0.029). These findings indicate that obesity increases the mechanical load on the lumbar spine, thereby exacerbating pain in HNP patients. In conclusion, there is a significant relationship between BMI and pain intensity in lumbar HNP patients. Therefore, weight control through a healthy lifestyle and appropriate rehabilitation programs is expected to reduce pain intensity and improve patients' quality of life.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJHP

Publisher

Subject

Nursing Public Health

Description

International Journal of Health and Pharmaceutical (IJHP) e- ISSN : 2808-845X is a communication media and scientific publication in the health and pharmaceutical fields published by Inara Publisher. International Journal of Health and Pharmaceutical (IJHP) contains articles from research focusing ...