Epidemiology of Low Back Pain and Its Association with Occupational and Psychosocial Factors in the Iranian Population: A Systematic Review

Babagoltabar¬ Samakoush  H; Amini  M

doi:10.18502/tkj.v18i1.21494

Babagoltabar¬ Samakoush H Assistant Professor Sports Injuries and Corrective, Department of Sports Biomechanics and Motor Behavior, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar, Iran
Amini M PHD Of Sports Injuries and Corrective, Department of Sports Injuries and Corrective, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tkj.v18i1.21494

Keywords: Low Back Pain, Epidemiology, Occupational factors, Psychosocial factors

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition and a significant global public health concern. It results from a combination of psychological, social, and ergonomic factors. However, accurate estimates of its prevalence are still lacking. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of low back pain and its relationship with occupational and psychosocial factors in Iran.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a systematic review. Relevant studies were identified through searches of twelve Persian and English electronic databases using keywords such as low back pain, epidemiology, occupational factors, and psychosocial factors. These studies include the investigation of the prevalence of low back pain and its relationship with occupational and psychosocial factors, which were published in Persian or English between the years 2005 and 2025 AD and 1384 to 1405 in the Iranian calendar.

Results: Seventeen studies involving a total of 6,454 participants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the present review. Participants were categorized into three groups: administrative and industrial workers (n=1502), school pupils and university students (n=2089), and healthcare workers (n=2863). The analysis of mean prevalence rates showed that the overall prevalence of low back pain was 44.52% among administrative and industrial workers, 53.5% among pupils and students, and 62.31% among healthcare workers. In other words, healthcare workers—particularly nurses and emergency staff experienced low back pain more frequently than the other studied groups. Furthermore, the findings indicated significant associations between low back pain and physical–psychological workload, social functioning, daily working hours, job tenure, quality of life, anxiety and stress, as well as social support.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of low back pain among healthcare workers, students, and industrial workers. Considering the factors associated with low back pain in these three groups, it is essential that preventive strategies and intervention programs be designed and implemented according to the specific characteristics and needs of each group.