Prevalence and factors associated with back pain among education workers in Brazil: a longitudinal study

Abstract

This study aimed to longitudinally assess the prevalence of back pain and associated factors in education workers of the Federal Network for Professional and Technological Education in Brazil. This longitudinal epidemiological study was conducted in two stages, with data collected in 2022 and again in 2023, for a sample population of education workers from 38 Brazilian federal institutes. Sociodemographic data as well as data of the back pain assessment performed using the Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument questionnaire were collected. Data on the assessment of quality of life and mental health, obtained using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 instruments, respectively, were also collected. Generalized estimating equations were used in a Poisson regression model. Overall, 600 employees from all regions of Brazil were assessed. In 2022, the prevalence of back pain was 80.8%, and it dropped to 78.2% in 2023. The factors associated with a major risk of pain were mainly female sex (relative risk [RR], 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–1.24), lack of regular physical activity (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.04–1.17), and low quality of life, especially in the psychological domain (RR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.02–1.27). The results indicate a high prevalence of back pain in education workers of the Federal Network for Professional and Technological Education in Brazil. A survey of associated factors can support a biopsychosocial approach to the problem, with the possibility of preventive actions aimed at reducing the development of pain in education workers, as well as improving their quality of life and occupational health.