High prevalence of low back pain across the lifespan in Brazilian elderly: Temporal trends and multifactorial associations in Barra Mansa

Abstract

Background: This Cross-sectional study with 516 elderly individuals aimed to measure the prevalence of Low Back Pain (LBP) at different periods and identify associated factors in the elderly population from Barra Mansa, Rio de Janeiro.

Methods: A questionnaire on the prevalence of LBP was applied, covering three periods: at the time of the interview, in the last year, and at some point in life, with sociodemographic, clinical, behavioral, and occupational variables in addition, the Numerical Pain Scale and the Roland Morris questionnaire. The significance level established was 5 %.

Results: The prevalence of LBP was high at the time of the interview, 52.1 % (95 % CI 0.467‒0.575), 93 % in the last year (95 % CI 0.899‒0.954), and 77.4 % at some point in life (95 % CI 0.710‒0.800). The intensity of pain and functional incapacity were considered moderate. The LBP was associated with lower body mass index, female sex, high blood pressure, greater functional disability and perception of regular health. More active elderly people had less LBP, while the white race had a higher prevalence, and emotional problems had impacted severely at the time of the interview. Diabetes mellitus and being widowed were associated with a greater prevalence of LBP at some point in life. Greater functional disability worsened LBP at the time of the interview, while lower disability increased the prevalence of LBP at some point in life. Greater pain intensity was associated to higher LBP in the last year.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of LBP in different periods associated with sociodemographic, clinical and behavioral factors.

Keywords: Aged; Epidemiology; Low back pain; Prevalence; Risk factors.

Fig. 1

Prevalence and intensity of low back pain in the elderly.