Journal de la colonne vertébrale

Back Health in Adolescents between 12-18 Years of the Valencian Community, Spain: Prevalence and Consequences

Abstract

Miñana-Signes V and Monfort-Pañego M

Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide evidence of the prevalence and consequences of non-specific low back pain (LBP) in a sample of secondary school students from the Valencian Community, Spain.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional. The sample consisted of a total of 1500 adolescents aged between 12 to 18 years old (mean age=15.18, SD 1.446). Self-reported questionnaires were used to record LBP in health adolescents.

Results: The lifetime prevalence of LBP was 44.5% (n=664). The girls showed a higher percentage of lifetime prevalence of LBP (50.3%, n=362) than boys (38.9%, n=298), with statistically significant differences (χ2=19.863; P=0.000). Lifetime episodes of LBP showed a higher prevalence increasing age (χ2=32.458; P=0.000). Students smokers showed a significant association to suffer lifetime prevalence of LBP (χ2=11.461; P=0.001). The 12 months period prevalence of LBP was 76.1% (n=559). The one week period prevalence of LPB was 28.2% (n=205). The 14.2% (n=104) of students missed school one occasion because LBP. A 16.2% (n=117) of students suffer lower back problems caused by physical education classes.

Conclusions: There are a large number of adolescents suffering back problems. Health status in adolescents back can affect your quality of daily life. School-based longitudinal intervention programs are required on back care.