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Mohseni Bandpei M.1,2, Ahmad Shirvani M.3, Fakhri M.4, Rahmani N.5, Bagheri-Nessami M.4, Khalilian A.R.4, Ehsani F.6
1University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Physiotherapy, Tehran, Iran, 2University of Lahore, University Institute of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Lahor, Pakistan, 3Mazandaran Univerity of Medical Sciences, Sar, Iran, 4Mazandaran Univerity of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, 5University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Pediatric Neurorehabilitation Research Center, Tehran, Iran, 6Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common and costly problem worldwide. It is one of the main reasons for disability, absence from work and responsible for huge direct and indirect economic impact.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report some epidemiological studies carried out on the prevalence and risk factors of LBP in different population, from children to surgeons and to address the new role of Physiotherapists in community to prevent such a costly condition.
Methods: Following ethical approval, epidemiological studies were conducted on 5000 school aged children, 1100 pregnant women, 1300 nurses, 400 dentists, 600 teachers and 250 surgeons in Iran. A structured questionnaire including demographic, lifestyle, occupational characteristics as well as prevalence and risk factors of LBP was used. Visual analogue scale and Oswestry low back disability questionnaires were also applied to assess the pain intensity and functional disability, respectively.
Results: In all studies the highest possible response rate were obtained. Point, last month, last six months, annual and lifetime prevalence were remarkably high in all population studied. Lifetime prevalence of LBP was 17.4% in children, 62% in nurses, 84.1% in pregnant women, 43.1% in dentists, 37% in teachers and 84.8% in surgeons (89.5% in orthopedic surgeons). LBP was significantly correlated with age, position and time spent watching television, position and duration of homework, history of previous LBP and LBP in previous pregnancy, body mass index, smoking, general health, having an assistant, job satisfaction, using preventive strategies and years of practice (P 0.05 in all instances). Prolonged standing, repeated movements and awkward postures were the most prevalent aggravating factors and rest was found to be the most significant relieving factor. Absence from work because of LBP in the last month was reported by 33.7% of studied nurses.
Conclusion(s): The results demonstrate that the prevalence of LBP in different Iranian population seemed to be high and some risk factors appeared to be of more value. Therefore, more emphasis should be put on the preventive strategies and monitoring modifiable risk factors to control such a common and costly health problem.
Implications: It seems to be a NEW ROLE for Physiotherapists to intervene in a population based prevention program, as they are involved in promoting health, wellness, and fitness through risk factors identification and the implementation of services to reduce risk, slow the progression of or prevent functional decline and disability and enhance participation.
Funding acknowledgements: Financial support received from the Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences are acknowledged.
Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine
Ethics approval: All studies received ethical approval from the relevant university´s medical ethics board.
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
