RESUMO
Background: An earlier onset of low back pain is often predictive of future back problems. This implies that prevention of low back pain in adolescence may have a positive impact in adulthood. Aim of work: The study aimed at assessing the frequency of occurrence of low back pain in young adolescents and to ascertain some risk factors
Subjects and methods: A longitudinal prospective study of 882 preparatory school students with mean age 13.03 +/- 1.09 in Tanta City and a close rural area was conducted during the scholastic year 2003-2004. Schools were selected randomly [one out of seven schools for boys, one out of eight schools for girls and one Mixed rural school] to participate in the study. From each school; two classes in each grade [first, second and third grade] were selected randomly. Frequency of low back pain during the period of the study was reported through monthly visits. Anthropometric measurements were assessed twice; one at the start of the study and the second six months Iater. The risk factors for low back pain were studied. These included demographic, anthropometric, lifestyle, mechanical and psychosocial factors. Also, clinical assessment of muscular flexibility and its relation to low back pain was done
Results: Of young adolescents, 17.23% reported low back pain that tasted one day or more at least once a week during the follow up period [6 months]. Risk factors associated with the development of low back pain were female sex, high growth spurt [Odds Ratio =2.48, Confidence Interval =1.41-4.34] rapid-weight gain [Odds Ratio=1.86, Confidence Interval =1.07-3.22], carrying heavy backpack [Odds Ratio=1.93, Confidence Interval =1.30-2.86] and adverse psychosocial factors
Conclusion and recommendation: Low back pain is a common problem in young adolescents. It was associated with high growth spurt, rapid weight gain, heavy backpacks and adverse psychosocial factors. Modifying some risk factors through school health education and extracurricular physical and social activities may potentially serve to provont the development of low back pain in young adolescents