Prevalence and risk factors of low back pain among school age children in Iran

Background: Most available data on the prevalence and characteristics of back pain in schoolchildren is related to industrialised and developed countries. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of low back pain (LBP) and potential risk factors among schoolchildren and adolescents in a developing country, Iran. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1611 Iranian schoolchildren aged 11-14 years. A self-complete questionnaire was used to assess LBP prevalence, physical leisure activities, school-related and psychosocial factors. Results: The prevalence of LBP was 34.3%. Female gender (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% CI:1.28-1.94), family member with back pain (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.40-2.36), difficulty in viewing the (black)board (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.13-1.99), too much homework (OR = 1.47, 95% CI:1.09-1.99), time spend carrying a schoolbag (min/d) (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.01-1.85), and psychosocial factors (emotional symptoms) (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.54-3.39) were independently associated with LBP. Physical activity, having a job, watching television, using a computer, playing games and schoolbag weight had no effect. Conclusion: It can be concluded that both physical and psychosocial factors influenced the risk for LBP, but emotional symptoms had a stronger association with LBP than physical factors. Knowledge about LBP in school children and adolescents could be important in assessment and treatment of such symptoms in this population.