Trials Informing Back Pain Guidelines Underreport Key Sociodemographic Data.

Abstract

Sociodemographic characteristics are related to low back pain (LBP) outcomes, therefore diverse representation is important when appraising clinical trials. We investigated the reporting of participant sociodemographic variables in trials informing the American College of Physicians (ACP) guidelines for the treatment of LBP. Clinical trials supporting recommended interventions in the ACP guidelines were reviewed for reporting of participant sociodemographic data. Of 116 trials, 34 reported participant race and/or ethnicity. Education level, income level, and employment status were reported in 24, 10, and 31 trials, respectively; insurance coverage, marital status, and religion were reported in three, 16, and two trials, respectively. Two trials reported on duration or location of residence. Language comprehension was the most frequent exclusion criterion. Insufficient sociodemographic data exist in trials informing the ACP guidelines for the treatment of LBP. Investigators of LBP interventions should recruit diverse study participants and report comprehensive sociodemographic data.