Low back pain in the Bangladeshi adult population: a cross-sectional national survey

Abstract

ObjectiveLow back pain (LBP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. This study aims to determine the residence-specific and sex-specific prevalence and the factors associated with LBP in Bangladesh.MethodsThe study subjects (aged ≥18 years) were identified from 20 primary sampling units of the national census following a cross-sectional multistage stratified sampling design. We considered the mechanical type of LBP for this study. A Bangla version of the modified Community Oriented Programme for Control of Rheumatic Disorders questionnaire was used. A team of trained field workers, rheumatology residents and rheumatologists collected the data. Analysis was done using weighted data.ResultsTwo thousand subjects were approached, but 1843 could be screened. Among them, 561 had musculoskeletal disorders, and 343 were diagnosed with LBP. The weighted prevalence of LBP was 18.5% (95% CI: 11.8% to 25.2%) and age-standardised prevalence of LBP was 19.4% (95% CI: 14.0% to 24.8%), which was higher in women (27.2%, 19.3% to 35.1%) than men (14.0%, 8.7% to 19.3%). The prevalence persistently increased from age group 18–34 years (10.5%, 5.7 to 15.4) to ≥55 years (27.8%, 16.1% to 39.5%). People with no education had the highest prevalence (31.3%, 22.3% to 40.4%). The prevalence did not differ between urban and rural residential locations. Four factors were significantly associated with LBP: age (adjusted odds ratio: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.7 to 3.4), female sex (2.2, 1.5 to 3.3), absence of formal education (2.3, 1.6 to 3.3) and hypertension (1.7, 1.1 to 2.6).ConclusionLBP is a common problem in Bangladeshi adults. The factors identified are age, female sex, no formal education and hypertension. These should be addressed adequately to prevent and treat LBP.

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“…Approximately 84% of adults experience LBP once or more during their lifetime. [2][3][4][5] Pain in the soft tissue of the back is extremely common among adults and often affects individuals during their working years. LBP in women is strongly linked to hormonal and reproductive factors, the work environment and lifestyle.…”

“…The incidence of chronic LBP is approximately 23%, and 11-12% of the population becomes disabled due to LBP. 2 LBP is associated with personal, social and financial compulsion worldwide. The National Health Care Services costs for LBP were approximately 5 billion pounds (£) in the UK annually and 134 billion US$ in 2016 in the U.S. but the United States, National Institute of Health (NIH) was able to decrease the costs of LBP by 69 million US$ in 2023.…”

“…LBP is more common in females than in males. 2 The WHO and NIAMS (NIH) classify LBP according to the duration of low back pain (LBP) as follows: ⅰ) acute back pain that occurs suddenly and lasts a few days to a few weeks; ⅱ) subacute back pain that occurs suddenly or over time and lasts 4-12 weeks; and ⅲ) chronic back pain that occurs quickly or slowly and lasts more than 12 weeks and continues daily. 1,[9][10][11] Pain is probably dull, constant to sudden, and sharp and may radiate to the lower limb/ limbs.…”

“…1,[9][10][11] Pain is probably dull, constant to sudden, and sharp and may radiate to the lower limb/ limbs. 10 In France, 90% of patients recover from pain within two (2) weeks. 8 Another study reported that approximately 80% of cases of back pain lasted less than one week.…”

High prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among Bangladeshi women deserves attention

“…Furthermore, educational campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and treatment. 1,[4][5][6] In conclusion, the high prevalence of MSDs among Bangladeshi adults especially women are a significant public health issue that needs urgent attention. By taking action to address this issue, we can improve the quality of life for millions of women in Bangladesh.…”