To investigate the prevalence of low back pain and associated factors in older adults residing in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
This cross-sectional study included older adults aged 60 years or older, of both sexes, living in the urban area of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Participants answered a questionnaire covering sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral variables, including pain intensity, level of functional disability, and the prevalence of punctual pain (at the time of the interview) and pain experienced in the last 365 days (any occurrence in the previous year). They were divided into the Punctual Pain Group and the Last 365 Days Group. Qualitative variables were presented as absolute and relative frequencies, while quantitative variables were presented as means and standard deviations or medians and interquartile ranges, as appropriate. Data were analyzed using JASP, version 0.19.1, with a significance level of 5%.
Seven hundred ten older adults were evaluated, of which 74.4% reported low back pain. In the Punctual LBP group, 51.4% (47.7–55.1) reported pain, with 57.53% experiencing pain radiating to the leg and 75.71% experiencing pain radiating below the knee. Regarding the interference of pain in performing tasks, 45.75% stated that the pain was sufficient to limit activities of daily living (ADLs). In the Last 365 Days LBP Group, 70.4% (67.0–73.7) reported pain, with 59.6% experiencing pain radiating to the leg, 53.36% experiencing pain radiating below the knee, and 52.8% stating that the pain was sufficient to limit ADLs.
This study revealed a high prevalence of LBP (74.4%) among older people in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The classification of pain into groups of punctual pain and pain in the last 365 days demonstrated that LBP affects the quality of life of older people and directly impacts functional capacity, limiting daily activities.
This study may have implications for formulating public health policies aimed at interventions related to the prevention and treatment of LBP in older people.
Older people
Prevalence
