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

## TL;DR

This study found that low back pain is very common among elderly Brazilians and is linked to factors like being female, having high blood pressure, and low physical activity.

## Contribution

The study identifies novel associations between widowhood, diabetes, and lifetime low back pain in elderly populations.

## Key findings

- 52.1% of elderly Brazilians reported current low back pain.
- Very active elderly individuals had 74% lower odds of current low back pain.
- Diabetes and widowhood significantly increased the risk of lifetime low back pain.

## Abstract

•High temporal prevalence: 52.1 % (current), 93 % (past year), 77.4 % (lifetime) LBP in elderly Brazilians.•Key risk factors: Female sex, hypertension, lower BMI, and functional disability drive LBP burden.•Protective effect: Very active elderly had 74 % lower odds of current LBP (p < 0.05).•Novel associations: Widowhood and diabetes significantly increased lifetime LBP risk.•Clinical implication: Community-based exercise programs may reduce disability and healthcare costs.

High temporal prevalence: 52.1 % (current), 93 % (past year), 77.4 % (lifetime) LBP in elderly Brazilians.

Key risk factors: Female sex, hypertension, lower BMI, and functional disability drive LBP burden.

Protective effect: Very active elderly had 74 % lower odds of current LBP (p < 0.05).

Novel associations: Widowhood and diabetes significantly increased lifetime LBP risk.

Clinical implication: Community-based exercise programs may reduce disability and healthcare costs.

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.

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 %.

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.

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