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Gonzalez G.1, Costa L.1
1Universidade Cidade de Sao Paulo, Masters and Doctoral Programs in Physical Therapy, São Paulo, Brazil
Background: Low back pain is a major health problem worldwide and is highly associated with disability and work absenteeism. Most low back pain prevalence studies were conducted in high income countries and we are unaware of a prevalence study in a developing country, such as Brazil.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of low back pain in the metropolitan area of São Paulo/Brazil by recruiting a representative sample of the Brazilian population following all existing guidelines on conducting prevalence studies for low back pain.
Methods: Nine hundred individuals of both genders and over 18 years old, living in the urban area of the metropolitan region of São Paulo-Brazil, were recruited. Data collection were performed in 10% of the neighbourhoods of the city of São Paulo. We collected data on point-prevalence, 1-year prevalence and lifetime prevalence. We also collected a range of demographic characteristics plus pain intensity (measured by a 0-10 numerical rating scale) and disability (measured by the 24-item Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) for those who reported back pain at the time of the interview.
Results: Point prevalence was 13%, the 1-year prevalence 45% and the lifetime prevalence was 62%. For those participants who presented low back pain at the time of interview the mean pain intensity was 5.78 points (Standard deviation SD = 2.14) and the mean disability was 8.01 points (SD 6.68).
Conclusion(s): Prevalence estimates of back pain in Brazil are very similar to the ones reported in high income countries. The lifetime prevalence of back pain in Brazil is much higher compared to the developed countries.
Implications: The results of this study shows that back pain is a national problem and it must be the focus of health policies and research funders. Brazilian physical therapist must use best evidence-based practices to reduce this enormous health problem.
Funding acknowledgements: This study is supported by Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP). Process Number: 2015/26220-2.
Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine
Ethics approval: This study was submitted and approved by the ethics and Research Committee of the Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (CAAE-44662415.0.0000.0064).
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
