Abstract

CRUZ, Arménio  and  NUNES, Henrique. Prevalence and risk factors for back pain in adolescents: a systematic literature review. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2012, vol.serIII, n.6, pp.131-146. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIII1183.

Spinal complaints are common among adults and have significant individual, social and economic aspects. Some studies report that the source of these problems arises in childhood and adolescence. In this context, we intended to identify the prevalence and risk factors for back pain in adolescence and analyze the scientific evidence currently available. We conducted a systematic literature review between January 2005 and August 2010, with inclusion criteria and pre-defined descriptors using several databases of references, following a systematic process from selection of research resources to the critical evaluation of selected texts. The research question was “What is the prevalence and what are the risk factors for back pain among adolescents aged 11-19 years?”. We included 24 articles of good and moderate methodological quality and, despite inconsistency in the definition of back pain, prevalence rates vary in time and place. Risk factors are multidimensional, and gender and age emerged as the most obvious. Prospective studies are proposed on this issue, and information and education emerge as the most appropriate strategies to prevent this public health problem.

Keywords : back pain; adolescent; prevalence; risk factors.

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