The Relationship Between Breast Size on Perceived Postural Discomfort and Back Pain Among the Female Students of the University of Ilorin

Breast anthropometry, a vital subset of biological anthropology, involves the measurement of
breast size and its descriptive indices, offering insights into potential musculoskeletal and postural
consequences. This study investigated the relationship between breast size and perceived postural
discomfort and back pain among female students of the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Data were
collected from 200 female students aged 16–30 years, excluding those with congenital breast
anomalies or prior breast surgeries. Anthropometric assessments included bust circumference and
under bust circumference, alongside weight and height for BMI computation, using a flexible
measuring tape, a digital scale, a stadiometer and consent form. Cup sizes were categorized, and a
structured questionnaire was administered to assess perceived postural discomfort and back pain,
including intensity, location, sensory and affective dimensions, and duration. Data analysis was
performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 27.0, employing descriptive
statistics, Pearson Chi-square tests, and linear-by-linear association to test relationships between
variables. Result showed the mean age of participants was 20.20 ± 1.97 years. Mean bust and under
bust circumferences were 92.86 ± 14.09 (cm) and 78.36 ± 10.67 (cm), respectively. The average
BMI was 24.36 ± 4.88 (kg/m²), with 57.5% classified as having a normal BMI, 24.5% overweight,
and 13.5% obese. A total of 32% of respondents affirmed that their breast size contributed to back
pain, while 25.5% had considered breast reduction. Back pain prevalence showed 71.5% of
participants reporting some level of pain, with lower back (56.5%) and upper back (34%) being
the most common locations. Chi-square analysis showed a statistically significant relationship
between breast size and both perceived postural discomfort (χ² = 57.982, df = 35, p = 0.009) and
current level of back pain (χ² = 285.311, df = 175, p < 0.001). A significant mediating role of
perceived postural discomfort was also observed between breast size and back pain (p < 0.001).
The findings suggest a significant relationship between larger breast sizes and increased perception
of postural discomfort and back pain, with perceived postural discomfort mediating this
association. This highlights the importance of early awareness, ergonomic support, and postural
education among young women to mitigate the risk of chronic musculoskeletal strain linked to
breast morphology