Lifetime Prevalence Of Low Back Pain Research Articles

Non-specific low back pain in adolescents from the south of Portugal: prevalence and associated factors

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition in children and adolescents, and the prevalence has been increasing over the years. Most cases of LBP are due to non-specific causes; however, the role of these risk factors is still controversial. This study determined the prevalence of LBP in Portuguese adolescents and characterized the associated factors.Methods The design of this study was observational, analytical and cross-sectional. The sample included 966 adolescents from southern Portugal, aged between 10 and 16 years. The assessments included a questionnaire to characterize the presence of LBP, postural habits, body mass index (BMI) and backpack weights and to use a scoliometer to evaluate the presence of scoliosis.Results One hundred fifty-two (15.7 %) students had LPB at the present time, 456 (47.2 %) had experienced it in the last year, and 600 (62.1 %) had lifetime prevalence of LBP. Girls have 2.05 more probability of presenting LBP than boys (95 % CI 1.58–2.65; p < 0.001), and older students have a 1.54 greater probability (95 % CI 1.19–1.99; p = 0.001). Students who sit with the spine incorrectly positioned presented 2.49 greater probability of having LBP (95 % CI 1.91–3.2; p < 0.001), students using improper positions for watching TV or playing games have 2.01 greater probabilities (95 % CI 1.55–2.61; p < 0.001), and those who adopt an incorrect standing posture have a 3.39 greater chance of experiencing LBP (95 % CI 2.19–5.23; p < 0.001).Conclusions This study found a high prevalence of LBP in adolescents, with higher values in older students, female students and those who adopted incorrect positions when sitting or standing.

Prevalence and Relationship between Analgesic and Alcohol Consumption, Smoking Habit and Occurrence of Lowback Pain amongst Craftsmen in a South-East Nigerian Community

Low back pain (LBP) is a major cause of disability with high economic and public health repercussions. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence and relationship between analgesic and alcohol consumption, smoking and occurrence of lowback pain amongst craftsmen in Owerri, a South-East Nigerian community. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on lifestyle and low back pain of 500 craftsmen. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics of mean, percentage, frequency and inferential statistics of chi square; and multiple regressions. The result showed that the point prevalence for LBP was 34%. The 3-month, 12-month and life time prevalence of LBP were 35.4% 57.4% and 69.0% respectively. Habits of analgesic consumption (OR = 5.51; CI = 1.07 - 4.29; p = 0.048) and alcohol consumption (OR=2.53, CI=1.47-4.38, p<0.001) had significant association with low back pain. We concluded that the point prevalence for low back pain was 34%. Also, LBP was associated with some selected lifestyle factors

Epidemiological Features of Low Back Pain in Bank Employees of North India

Background: Low back pain (LBP) related disability and work absence accounts for high economical costs in western society. A prevalence of 28% to 80% has been found in different occupational groups. However there is paucity of literature on studies that examine the prevalence of LBP in Indian working class especially the banking sector. Objectives: To identify the prevalence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, impact and health care services sought for LBP in bank employees of Punjab. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on a random sample of 250 bank employees (199 male, 51 female) aged between 30-60 years. Data was collected using interview schedule and clinical examination form. The subjects were divided in to symptomatic and asymptomatic group on the basis of presence or absence of pain at the time of examination. Results: The point, 12 month and lifetime prevalence of LBP among the Bank employees of Punjab has emerged as 37.6%, 34% and 21.2% respectively with greater prevalence in men and in age group of 50-60years. Cigarette smoking, regular physical exercise, prolonged sitting, weakness of abdominal and back extensor muscles, hamstring and quadriceps tightness have been found to be the factors associated with LBP. Present pain has been found to be associated with history of back pain in last 1 year. A majority of the symptomatic subjects had sought alternative treatments for LBP. Bed rest followed by medicine was the most common treatment advised. The results recorded a considerable lack of awareness of Physiotherapy which varied with the level of education and socioeconomic status of the employees. Conclusion: The results of the study have revealed that awareness programs on risk factors and physiotherapy for LBP among bank employees are vital in order to prevent and remediate this most common and costly condition afflicting the society.

Low-Back Pain Ratings for Lifetime, 1-Month Period, and Point Prevalences in a Large Occupational Population

This manuscript systematically quantifies multiple measures of low-back pain (LBP) prevalence by pain rating in a large, multisite cohort of workers. Published LBP prevalence rates vary. Studies rely on one measure of LBP and none report prevalence stratified by pain rating. Cross-sectional analyses of baseline data from a multicenter prospective cohort study were performed to evaluate differences in lifetime prevalence, 1-month period prevalence, and point prevalence of LBP. Workers were from 28 different employment settings in 4 diverse U.S. states. All workers completed computerized questionnaires and structured interviews. LBP prevalence measures were stratified by pain ratings. A total of 828 subjects had complete health data at baseline. Lifetime prevalence, 1-month period prevalence, and point prevalence for any LBP (> or = 1/10) were 63.4%, 44.0%, and 20.8% respectively. Prevalence of LBP decreased with increasing pain ratings. As an example, using a threshold of LBP > or = 3/10 pain, prevalence measures were 61.0%, 37.6%, and 16.7% respectively. A threshold of LBP > or = 5/10 had prevalence measures of 51.2%, 22.9%, and 9.9% respectively. Age, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and tobacco use were statistically significantly related to lifetime prevalence of LBP. Lifetime LBP prevalence, 1-month period prevalence, and point prevalence stratified by pain ratings demonstrate a wide variation of prevalence measures of LBP and self-reported pain ratings. Higher pain rating thresholds yield lower prevalence measures and may impact assessments of risk factors. Differences in pain ratings may allow for focused surveillance within an occupational cohort.

An insight into adolescents' knowledge and attitudes on low back pain and its occurrence

Background/aims This study aims to assess adolescents' level of knowledge and attitudes towards low back pain (LBP) as this is required for effective prevention. As knowledge and attitude can influence occurrence, this study correlates adolescents' level of knowledge and attitude towards LBP with its occurrence in Mangalore, India. Methods A cross-sectional survey with a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 605 students from four pre-university colleges to evaluate their knowledge of, attitude to, and the occurrence of LBP. Results This study revealed a moderate level of knowledge (45.39%) and a good attitude (61.95%) towards LBP. The lifetime prevalence of LBP among adolescents is 30.5%. No correlation was found between knowledge and the occurrence (χ2=5.03, P=0.17) but a correlation exists between adolescents' attitudes and the occurrence of LBP (χ2=14.64, P=0.002). Conclusion Even with a moderate knowledge and a good attitude, the number of adolescents with LBP is considerable in this region and, therefore, prevention strategies need to be initiated.

Low back pain in physiotherapy students: Prevalence and the association with neuromuscular findings

Background: Physiotherapy students are prone to low back pain (LBP) due to studying and their active involvement in clinical treatment of patients. As a result of pathology, muscle activity is influenced, affecting optimal function of the spine. Method: Physiotherapy students enrolled for 2010 at the University of the Witwatersrand participated in a cross-sectional study. A questionnaire and physical assessment were completed. Results: The study revealed that the lifetime LBP prevalence was 36% among physiotherapy students. Associations with LBP were hours of practical exposure, posterior-anterior mobilisations on L4 (p=0.003) and L5 (p≤0.001) centrally and unilaterally, left lumbar multifidus (LM) cross-sectional area (p=0.02), right obliquus internusabdominis (OI) (p=0.02) and right transversus abdominis (TrA) thickness at rest (p=0.02), as well as the pull of the TrA during contraction on the left (p=0.03). Discussion: Hours of practical exposure may play a role in lumbar pathology. Due to pathology, muscle imbalances of LM, TrA and OI affect the stability of the spine which may lead to recurrences. Conclusion: Practical exposure as well as LM, TrA and OI muscle imbalances were associated with LBP in physiotherapy students. Awareness of the factors associated with LBP while studying at an undergraduate level may lead to better prevention of LBP.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain in Rural Community Residents of Korea

A community-based, cross-sectional study that is part of the prospective Korean Health and Genome Study. To determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) among middle-aged and elderly rural community residents in Korea and to examine the relevant risk factors, including activities reflecting the Asian lifestyle, and the relationship between radiographical features of degenerative changes in the lumbar spine and LBP. The prevalence and implication of LBP among the elderly, particularly Asians, are under-represented in previous reports. Data for LBP were collected for 4181 subjects from a rural farming community. The point and cumulative lifetime prevalences of LBP were obtained in addition to measurement of the severity of LBP. Lateral lumbar spine radiographs were obtained according to a standard protocol. The mean age of the study subjects was 56 years and 55% were women. The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 61.3%, with women having a higher prevalence. The point and 6-month prevalences were also higher among women. The lifetime, point, and 6-month prevalences increased with age in both sexes, except for lifetime prevalence in men. The prevalence of LBP of grade 3 or more was significantly higher in women and increased significantly with age, particularly in women. Both lifetime and point of prevalence of LBP were significantly associated with age, female sex, and time spent squatting. After adjusting for age and sex, the presence of disc space narrowing, osteophytes, and advanced Kellgren-Lawrence grade in lumbar radiograph was associated with LBP. The prevalence of LBP is comparable between these Korean community residents and other population groups. Risk factors associated with LBP included advanced age, female sex, squatting, the presence of osteophytes, joint space narrowing, and advanced Kellgren-Lawrence grading on lumbar radiograph.

Prevalence of low back pain and factors associated with chronic disabling back pain in Japan

This study aimed to report lifetime and 4-week low back pain (LBP) prevalence and examine factors associated with chronic LBP and back pain disability over a lifetime in a Japanese adult population. In February 2011, 1,063,083 adults aged 20-79 years registered as internet research volunteers were randomly selected to participate in a questionnaire survey. The data from 65,496 respondents were analyzed to calculate age-standardized lifetime and 4-week prevalence. Chronic LBP and back pain disability were defined as LBP lasting for ≥ 3 months and a consecutive ≥ 4-day-long absence, respectively. Factors associated with chronic disabling back pain over a lifetime were examined by multiple logistic regression modeling. The lifetime LBP prevalence was 83 % and 4-week prevalence was 36 %; majority of the respondents had disability-free LBP. Smoking [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 1.17; 95 % CI: 1.05, 1.30], lower educational level (aOR: 1.21; 95 % CI: 1.09, 1.34), history of disabling back pain among family members and/or significant others (aOR: 1.46; 95 % CI: 1.27, 1.67), occupational LBP (aOR: 1.34; 95 % CI: 1.16, 1.55), traffic injury (aOR: 2.81; 95 % CI: 2.07, 3.81), compensated work injury (aOR: 2.42; 95 % CI: 1.92, 3.05), radiating pain (aOR: 4.94; 95 % CI: 4.45, 5.48), low back surgery (aOR: 10.69; 95 % CI: 9.02, 12.68), and advice to rest upon back pain consultation (aOR: 3.84; 95 % CI: 3.36, 4.40) were associated with chronic disabling back pain over a lifetime. LBP is common in Japan as in other industrialized countries. The association between the advice to rest and chronic disabling back pain supports recent treatment guidelines emphasizing continuation of daily activities.

Prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among farmers: A systematic review

To determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among farmers and to establish the most common regional MSDs reported. Comprehensive electronic searches of Pubmed, Web of Science, CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Agris Database, and Cochrane Library were carried out using keywords for MSDs and farmers. Pooled estimates of prevalence with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for overall MSD prevalence and the most common regional MSDs reported. Twenty-four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into this review. From these studies, life-time prevalence of any form of MSD among farmers was 90.6% while 1-year MSD prevalence was 76.9% (95% CI 69.8-82.7). The majority of studies focused on spinal MSDs with low back pain (LBP) the most frequently investigated. Life-time LBP prevalence was 75% (95% CI 67-81.5) while 1-year LBP prevalence was 47.8% (95% CI 40.2-55.5). The next most common regional MSDs reported were upper (range 3.6-71.4%) and lower extremities (range 10.4-41%). The systematic review identified the prevalence of MSDs by body region in farmers and established that LBP was the most common MSD, followed by upper and then lower extremity MSDs. Reported trends suggest that the prevalence of MSDs in farmers is greater than in non-farmer populations. Case-definition uniformity among MSD researchers is warranted. More studies are needed regarding upper and lower extremity MSDs, gender, workplace, and task context of MSDs.

Low Back Pain in Iran

A descriptive overview of the literature. To present a comprehensive descriptive overview of the published papers about epidemiologic features, burden, and current management of low back pain (LBP) in Iran. Little is known about the epidemiology, burden, and management of LBP in developing and low- to middle-income countries, such as Iran. A literature search was carried out using MEDLINE database to assess existing literature about prevalence, disease burden, impact, and current management of nonspecific LBP in Iran. Twenty-six articles matched inclusion criteria and included in the study. The findings related to point, period, and lifetime prevalence of LBP in general population, working population, school children, and pregnant women ranged from 14.4% to 84.1%. The 1-year incidence of disabling LBP was found to be 2.1%. LBP is the third leading cause of disease burden (measured by Disability Adjusted Life Years) in Iranian population aged 15 to 69 years, without considering causes of intentional and unintentional injuries. High levels of anxiety and depression among patients with LBP and the etiological role of job strain in causing LBP in workers have been reported in Iran. Our search failed to find any articles about referral system, direct and indirect costs, social determinants, and current management of LBP in Iran. This overview of the literature illustrates that LBP is a common symptom and an important cause of disease burden in Iran, in particular, in the most productive age for both males and females. The 1-year incidence of disabling LBP in Iran was found to be low. Future research will be necessary to investigate economic cost, social determinants, health technology assessment, and management of LBP in Iran.

Low back pain in 1,100 Iranian pregnant women: prevalence and risk factors

Background Low back pain (LBP) is a common and costly problem in pregnancy. It is one of the main reasons for disability, absence from work, and responsible for huge direct and indirect economical impact. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of LBP during pregnancy. Study design A cross-sectional study was carried out on Iranian pregnant women. Patient sample Eleven hundred randomly selected pregnant women. Outcome measures A structured questionnaire including demographic, lifestyle, as well as prevalence and characteristics of LBP was used. Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry low back disability questionnaires were also used to assess the pain intensity and functional disability, respectively. Methods After ethical approval from Medical Ethics Board at the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,100 pregnant women from 18 health centers in Sari district, at northern Iran. Results Point, last-month, last 6-month, last-year, and lifetime prevalence of LBP were 40.2%, 55.9%, 59.4%, 76.2%, and 84.1%, respectively. Prolonged standing and rest were found to be the most significant aggravating and relieving factors (76.3% and 87.7%, respectively). LBP was significantly correlated with history of previous LBP and LBP in previous pregnancy (p=.000 in both cases). Conclusion The prevalence of LBP in pregnant women appears to be high and future research should focus on different preventive strategies during pregnancy.

Low back pain characteristics from undergraduate student to working nurse in Australia: A cross-sectional survey

Background Nurses are known to be a high risk group for occupational low back pain (LBP). The periods of greatest risk for developing low back pain in this population are not well defined. Recent literature suggests current preventative strategies are not consistently effective in improving low back injury statistics among health care populations. Objectives To identify the relative contributions of age and occupational exposure on the prevalence, duration and severity of low back pain episodes among undergraduate nursing students and recently graduated nurses. Design Cross-sectional survey. Settings Two university undergraduate nursing schools and one public teaching hospital graduate nurse training program in Western Australia. Participants 897 undergraduate nursing students (years 1, 2 and 3) and 111 graduate nurses recruited by personal invitation during lectures. Methods Using a modified version of the Nordic Low Back Questionnaire, information regarding low back pain episode prevalence, impact, duration, frequency and causes was obtained. Results Mean age was consistent across all groups (26.7 ± 9.0 years) and had no significant effect on lifetime low back pain prevalence ( p = 0.30). Very high lifetime (79%), 12 month (71%) and 7 day (31%) low back pain prevalence rates were consistent across all 3 year groups of undergraduate nursing students, but were significantly higher after 12 months of full-time employment [lifetime (95.5%), 12 month (90%) and 7 day (39%)]. Around 60% of all respondents with low back pain utilised at least one of (a) treatment, (b) medication, or (c) a reduction in activity. Nursing students and graduate nurses attributed the majority of their low back pain to bending or lifting despite recent efforts to reduce manual workplace demands (lifting) on nurses. Strategies for managing low back pain differed between nursing students and graduate nurses. Conclusions These results may suggest a rise in occupational exposure from student to working nurse is the primary cause of the increase in low back pain. Increased exposure may be to physical as well as psychological stressors. Given that prevalence rates are very high prior to commencing work, nursing student populations should be a target group for low back pain preventative strategies.

Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Low Back Pain Among Health Care Providers in a Kuwait Hospital

A cross-sectional survey among health professionals working in a Kuwait hospital. To investigate the prevalence and factors associated with low back pain (LBP). The literature suggests that health professionals are exposed to occupational risk factors that predispose them to developing LBP. These rates are not well established in Middle Eastern countries such as Kuwait. A self-administered survey was conducted with health professionals in an urban orthopedic hospital. The response rate to the survey was 60% (n = 344). Lifetime prevalence of LBP in the sample was 70.9%, and point prevalence of LBP was 21.5%. Factors associated with acute LBP included direct patient contact (P = 0.015), performing patient lifts and/or transfers (P = 0.016), low job satisfaction (P = 0.039), and poor self-reported health status (P = 0.019). The prevalence ratio (PR) of reporting acute LBP was also found to increase as a function of the number of daily lifts/transfers performed (PR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.27 to 1.70). Other factors generally associated with LBP, such as age, sex, professional experience, smoking and exercise, were not found to be significantly associated with LBP in this study. No causal relationships can be inferred using these cross-sectional data. However, results suggest that direct patient contact that includes lifting and/or transferring patients may be an important risk factor. Further research is warranted to evaluate effectiveness of back education and prevention programs among hospital staff in Kuwait.

Low back pain in Hispanic residential carpenters

Objective Low back pain (LBP) is a leading cause of lost work time and has been recognized as America's number one workplace safety challenge. Low back pain is occurring at epidemic proportions among construction workers, and minority populations have been underinvestigated for risk of back injury. This project investigated the multiple potential risk factors for occupational LBP among Hispanic residential carpenters. Methods This investigation evaluated 241 Hispanic residential framing carpenters. Data for this study were collected using a 91-question survey. End points of interest included point, annual, and lifetime prevalence of LBP. Results Nineteen percent of respondents reported they had an episode of LBP in their lifetime. Conclusions Hispanic residential carpenters reported less than expected prevalence of LBP compared with non-Hispanic counterparts in the same trade and location. Job tasks and personal and workplace risk factors, including psychological and morphological characteristics, affect the prevalence of LBP among Hispanic framing carpenters.

Low back pain and occupation among Irish health service workers

The health services sector has been identified as a high-risk work sector for low back pain (LBP) and related absenteeism. To establish levels and predictors of LBP prevalence and associated sick leave among health service workers. To identify if levels of LBP or related absenteeism differ between occupational groups. A postal survey using a standardized questionnaire and disproportionate random sampling of occupational groups was conducted at a single Dublin hospital. Overall hospital LBP prevalence and sickness absence were calculated using weighted analysis methods. Univariate analysis included the use of Chi-square, Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney tests. Multivariate logistic regression techniques were used to explore for independent predictors of lifetime LBP prevalence and LBP-related sickness absence. An overall response rate of 62% (n = 246) was achieved. Lifetime, annual and point prevalence rates for the hospital employees were calculated at 46, 30 and 15.5%, respectively. No significant difference in prevalence was found between occupational groups but sick leave did differ with the highest level among general support and nursing staff. Multivariate analysis confirmed that occupation was an independent predictor for LBP-related sick leave (P < 0.05). LBP prevalence rates did not differ significantly between occupational groups but occupation was found to be an independent predictor of LBP-related sick leave. Involvement in manual handling did not predict either LBP or related sick leave.

The Prevalence of Low Back Pain in Recreational Distance Runners

Running is a popular recreational activity in the United States involving approximately thirty million people. It has gained popularity partly due to its perceived health benefits. The incidence of all injuries in runners has been estimated at 37%–56% with injuries to the spine being between 5%–19%. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain in the general population has been estimated between 60%–90%. PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of low back pain(LBP) in recreational distance runners and the relationships between running and worsening or improving of LBP symptoms, speed of running, mileage, and orthotic use. METHODS: This study was designed as an observational study comprising 99 subjects, including 45 males and 54 females with ages ranging from 17 to 72 years of age, participating in community, recreational running events. Data was collected via a questionnaire approved by the University of Colorado institutional review board. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of LBP in runners was 58% of those surveyed. Among those runners with a history of LBP, 30% reported that running activities worsened their LBP symptoms. Twenty-six percent of the subjects reported improvement of their symptoms with running activities. Thirty percent of subjects reported that running had no effect on their LBP. Gender, age, speed, mileage, and orthotic use were not significant predictors of improving/worsening of LBP when running. However, mileage per week (p=0.04) and orthotic use (p=0.01) were found to be predictors of persistent LBP. CONCLUSIONS:The lifetime prevalence of LBP in recreational distance runners is found to be 58% of those surveyed. Running does not appear to worsen LBP in a population of runners with a history of LBP. Conversely, running does not have a beneficial effect on LBP symptoms. Mileage per week greater than 20 miles results in a five times greater odds of persistent LBP and not using orthotics results in a ten times greater odds of persistent LBP.

A school-based survey of recurrent non-specific low-back pain prevalence and consequences in children

The aim of this investigation was to provide evidence of the prevalence and consequences of recurrent low-back pain in children from Northwest England. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving a standardized questionnaire with established reliability and validity. A cross-sectional sample of 500 boys (n = 249) and girls (n = 251) aged between 10 and 16 years participated in the study. Average lifetime prevalence of low-back pain was 40.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 38.7-41.6]. Most cases of low-back pain were acute episodes that did not lead to disabling consequences. In contrast, 13.1% (95% CI = 12.5-13.7) experienced recurrent low-back pain that led to disabling consequences; 23.1% visited a medical practitioner, 30.8% experienced loss of physical activity/sports and 26.2% had been absent from school because of low-back pain. Recurrent low-back pain was particularly evident during late adolescence where one in five children were cases. The health education implications of low-back pain in children are discussed. It was concluded that low-back pain is a common complaint during childhood, although most cases are acute episodes that represent little health consequence. In contrast, some children experience recurrent low-back pain that can lead to disabling consequences. Future research should focus on recurrent low-back pain cases since they often led to disabling consequences.

Is Low-Back Pain Prevalent among Kuwaiti Children and Adolescents?

Objective: To measure the magnitude of the problem of low-back pain among 10- to 18-year-old Kuwaiti schoolchildren in Hawalli Governorate. Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional multistage stratified random sample of 400 schoolchildren (199 males and 201 females) of ages 10–18 years were selected from two junior and two high schools in Hawalli Governorate, Kuwait. Data on age, gender and characteristics of low-back pain such as duration, location and frequency were collected through personal interviews using a questionnaire. Low-back pain was defined as pain in the back from the 12th rib to the buttock area. Results: According to our definition, reported lifetime prevalence of low-back pain was found to be 57.8% (50.8% in male and 64.7% in female students), while the point prevalence was 35% (20.6% in male and 39.3% in female students). More female students reported low-back pain than male students, and the prevalence of low-back pain was found to increase with age in both sexes. The age of onset of low-back pain was 14 years in males and 13 years in females. The majority of students (92.1% in males, 84.6% in females) reported pain in the low back. Almost 46% of students related their low-back pain to accidents. A significantly higher proportion of male students (58.4%, compared to females 36.2%) reported low-back pain caused by accident or with duration of recovery less than a week (21.8% for males as compared to 16.2% for female students). Female students reported more recurrent or continual low-back pain. Conclusion: Low-back pain is common among Kuwaiti students in Hawalli Governorate. Prevalence of low-back pain increased with age in both sexes. Female students reported more frequent low-back pain than male students.

Risk factors for non-specific low back pain in schoolchildren and their parents: a population based study

A survey of adolescent schoolchildren and their parents through a self-administered questionnaire was conducted to determine the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren and their parents and to assess its association with exposure to known and presumed risk factors. A previously validated, self-administered questionnaire was used for collecting information on back pain history, anthropometric measures, physical and sports activity, academic problems, hours of leisure sitting, smoking, and alcohol intake. Schoolchildren between the ages of 13 and 15 in schools of the island of Mallorca and their parents ( n=16,394) took part in the study. The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 50.9% for boys and 69.3% for girls; point prevalence (7 days) was 17.1% for boys and 33% for girls. There was a significant association with LBP and pain in bed (OR=13.82, 95% CI: 10.47–18.25, P<0.001), reporting scoliosis (OR=2.87, 95% CI: 2.45–3.37, P<0.001), reporting difference in leg length (OR=1.26, 95% CI: 1.02–1.56, P=0.033), practice of any sport more than twice a week (OR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.09–1.39, P=0.001) and being female (OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.04–1.19, P=0.001). There was no association found between LBP and body mass index, the manner in which books were transported, hours of leisure sitting, alcohol intake or cigarette smoking. Among parents, the lifetime prevalence of LBP was 78.2% for mothers and 62.6% for fathers; point prevalence (7 days) was 41% for mothers and 24.3% for fathers, and there were significant associations with LBP and pain in bed ( OR=18.07, 95% CI: 14.72–22.19, P<0.001), report of scoliosis ( OR=8.77, 95% CI: 6.44–11.95, P<0.001), report of difference in leg length ( OR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.60–3.04, P<0.001), being a university graduate ( OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.21–2.98, P=0.006), being female ( OR=1.49, 95% CI: 1.33–1.67, P<0.001), and swimming ( OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.4–1.18, P=0.002). There was no association found between LBP and alcohol intake, cigarette smoking or the practice of other sports. Although there was a positive association in terms of scoliosis between biological parents and their children ( P<0.001), there was no association found in familial (biological or not) occurrence of LBP. The prevalence of LBP among adolescents in southern Europe is similar to northern Europe, it is comparable to that in adults, and is associated with several factors. There is a strong association between pain in bed or upon rising in both adolescents and adults. Scoliosis, but not LBP, appears to be related to heredity. Further longitudinal studies are necessary to establish risk factors that are predictive for LBP in adolescents.

Epidemiology of low back pain in Chinese nurses

This epidemiological study analyzed risk factors for low back pain (LBP) in nursing personnel in a 5000-bed medical center in the Republic of China. Of the 3212 eligible nursing personnel, 3159 (98.3 per cent) responded to the mail survey. Risk factors for LBP were age, stature, body weight, duration of work, work habits, and sitting posture. The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 77.9 per cent. The primary cause of LBP was lifting heavy objects. Muscle strain was the most common diagnosis. For LBP treatment, the nurses' first choice was physical therapy and rehabilitation.