Prevalence and Incidence of Low Back Pain in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Systematic Review

Mai A Aldera,Caroline M Alexander,Alison H Mcgregor

doi:10.2991/jegh.k.200417.001

Abstract

Study DesignA systematic review.ObjectiveTo identify published studies that assess the prevalence and incidence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in the Saudi Arabian population.MethodsSix electronic databases were searched for articles published between January 1995 and December 2018. Cross-sectional or cohort studies were included if they were conducted in the KSA and focused on the prevalence or incidence of LBP in adults. Case–control and retrospective studies were excluded. Studies were also excluded if they did not meet the quality criteria set out by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) assessment or had a high or medium risk of bias according to the criteria proposed by Hoy et al. One independent reviewer (MAA) verified that the studies met the inclusion criteria, and three independent reviewers (MAA, AHM, CMA) assessed the quality of the studies and extracted their relevant characteristics. All the studies were assessed for quality using the JBI assessment and were assessed for risk of bias according to the Hoy et al. approach.ResultsThe initial search identified 158 papers; five studies met the inclusion criteria. The nature of the findings meant no meta-analysis could be performed; therefore, a narrative summary was generated to discuss the findings. The prevalence of LBP in different professional groups within a working-age group ranged between 64% and 89%.DiscussionThe prevalence of LBP in the KSA has only been examined within specific professional groups, which limits the ability to generalize the finding. The review clarifies the need for further quality epidemiological studies to identify the prevalence of LBP in the general population. Many of the issues identified are problems related to occupational risk of LBP. The implication therefore is that these occupational factors need to be assessed so that risk factors for LBP among employees in KSA can be modified.

Highlights

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) experience of rapid socioeconomic change, had given rise to new public health challenges and extensive health reforms [1,2,3]
The prevalence and incidence of Low Back Pain (LBP) in the Saudi Arabian general population, and the factors associated with LBP are not clear and they vary in the literature
Studies were excluded if they did not meet the quality criteria according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) assessment [8] and studies with high or medium risk of bias according to the Hoy et al [9] criteria

Summary

Introduction

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) experience of rapid socioeconomic change, had given rise to new public health challenges and extensive health reforms [1,2,3]. LBP has been recognized by governments as a major public health issue and a serious challenge for healthcare systems, leading to the declaration of a ‘call for action’ [5,6]. The prevalence and incidence of LBP in the Saudi Arabian general population, and the factors associated with LBP are not clear and they vary in the literature. Most of the findings are presented in secondary analyses and are derived from studies evaluating work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) problems. With this growing evidence base it is time to bring that literature

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