Prevalence and factors associated with low back pain in schoolchildren in Cameroon, sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractBackgroundData on the prevalence and factors associated with low back pain (LBP) in schoolchildren are scarce in Africa, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and factors associated with LBP in schoolchildren in Cameroon.Patients and methodsWe performed a cross‐sectional study in 10 randomly selected schools (public and private) in Douala, Cameroon. Using a self‐administrated questionnaire, sociodemographic, usual physical activity, and clinical data were collected and all the schoolbags were weighted. Informed consent was obtained from the parents. Statistical significance was established at P < .05. Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with LBP.ResultsWe included 1075 schoolchildren (543 boys, 50.5%). The prevalence of LBP was 12.3% (132 children: 81 girls and 51 boys). The mean age was 11 ± 1 years (range, 8‐14 years). Body mass index was normal in 110 schoolchildren (83.4%). Sixteen schoolchildren had already met a physician for LBP. Among the factors evaluated, those associated with LBP were female gender, doing competitive sport, sitting position, and LBP in at least 1 parent. The mean weight of the schoolbags was 4.9 ± 1.9 kg. We had 99 children with LBP and a schoolbag weight ≥10% of their body weight. No association was found between the weight of schoolbag and LBP.ConclusionLBP is common in Cameroonian schoolchildren, where 12.3% suffer from it. The weight of schoolbags was not associated with LBP. However, female gender, competitive sport, sitting position, and parental history of LBP were significantly associated with its occurrence.