Prevalence of Low Back Pain and Associated Risk Factors among Saudi Arabian Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Low back pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition. Studies on adolescent low back pain are scarce, with no research to determine its prevalence in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated risk factors of low back pain in Saudi Arabian adolescents. This cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi Arabian high school students, which included demographic data, medical and low back pain history. The completed survey by 2000 participants showcased 57.9% of students experiencing low back pain in the last 12 months. This included 31.2% men and 26.7% women. This study found a link between low back pain and age, clinical symptoms of diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, thyroid disease, arthritis, and back surgery, a family history of low back pain, as well as smoking. There is substantial prevalence of low back pain in Saudi Arabian adolescents. This study identified several modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors stemming from adolescent low back pain.

The key determinants of low back pain among lifestyle behaviors in adolescents: A cross-sectional study from Saudi Arabia

“…[13] A recent study conducted on Saudi Arabian teens revealed that 57.8% of the participants had suffered LBP over 12 months. [14] For young adults, physical exercise and LBP have both direct and indirect impacts. [14] One of the most crucial aspects of health for individuals with LBP is physical activity, which may have an impact on how active they are on a daily basis.…”

“…[14] For young adults, physical exercise and LBP have both direct and indirect impacts. [14] One of the most crucial aspects of health for individuals with LBP is physical activity, which may have an impact on how active they are on a daily basis. [14] Adolescents are more likely than adults to participate in inappropriate behaviors that are detrimental to their health like sedentary lifestyles, physical inactivity, and psychosocial stress.…”

“…[ 13 ] A recent study conducted on Saudi Arabian teens revealed that 57.8% of the participants had suffered LBP over 12 months. [ 14 ]…”

“…[ 14 ] One of the most crucial aspects of health for individuals with LBP is physical activity, which may have an impact on how active they are on a daily basis. [ 14 ] Adolescents are more likely than adults to participate in inappropriate behaviors that are detrimental to their health like sedentary lifestyles, physical inactivity, and psychosocial stress. [ 15 ] Keating research indicates that between 40% to 50% of students are physically inactive.…”

Acute Low Back Pain Among Both Medical and Non-Medical Students Post Covid-19: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan

“…Low back pain (LBP), defined as pain and discomfort situated below the costal margin and above the inferior gluteal folds, with or without accompanying leg pain, is among the most common medical conditions (1) . Leading the cause of musculoskeletal disability worldwide, LBP's cost to healthcare systems escalates, creating a significant burden in developed nations as well as low and middle-income countries (2,3) .The high cost of coping with LBP extends beyond financial strain and into a complex interplay of physical, psychological, and social influences affecting a broad demographic of adults, both young and old. Therefore, LBP represents a significant global challenge globally (3 & 4) .…”