Affiliations: [a] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey | [b] Department of PM&R, Faculty of Medicine, Fatih University, Ankara, Turkey | [c] Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey | [d] Department of PM&R, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey | [e] Department of PM&R, Faculty of Medicine, Medipol University, İstanbul, Turkey | [f] Department of PM&R, Faculty of Medicine, 18 March University, Çanakkale, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: E. Capkin, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, TR-61080, Turkey. Tel.: +90 462 3771065; Fax: +90 462 325 95 88; E-mail:drcapkin@yahoo.com
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a public health problem commonly
seen in all societies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence
and specific risk factors of low back pain (LBP) in the central and outlying
districts of the province of Trabzon, a Black Sea region of Turkey. METHOD: A random sample of 7897 (4006 men and 3789 women) adults
was collected by using sampling techniques of stratification. In this study
questionnaires were completed at face-to-face interviews with participants
selected on the basis of place of residence, gender and age group. The used
variables in this study were: use of cigarettes, status of marriage, level
of education, and presence of chronic disease, the prevalence of lifetime
LBP and of LBP in the preceding year. Chronic LBP was determined as being
present for more than 6 weeks. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of LBP in the general population
was determined at 62.1%. Prevalence in the preceding year was 46.1%,
and that of LBP lasting more than six week was 18.1%. Lifetime prevalence
of LBP, prevalence of LBP in the preceding year and prevalence of pain
lasting more than six week were all statistically significantly higher in
women (p< 0.001). Use of cigarettes, female gender, marriage, a low level of
education and presence of chronic disease were identified as independent
risk factors for LBP (p< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lower back pain is a common public health
problem. Recommendations were made for local health services to prevent LBP,
including health education through combating chronic diseases, reducing
cigarette consumption, improvement of working environments and life styles.
Keywords: Low back pain, prevalence, Turkey, smoking, life style
