Chronic spinal problem/back pain in quilombola populations of Bahia, Northeast of Brazil

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of chronic spinal problems or back pain (CSP/BP) and the sociodemographic factors, the lifestyle, the chronic diseases associated with quilombola adults. We carried out a population, sectional, epidemiological study with a representative sample from a Northeastern state. We collected data by interviewing participants using a standardized form. Statistical analysis comprised robust Poisson regression, prevalence ratios, confidence interval (95%), and significance level lower than 5%. The prevalence of CSP/BP was of 50.5% (95% CI: 47.1: 53.9), independently associated with age, sleep quality, self-reported health, motor disabilities, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We observed higher exposure to CSP/BP among quilombolas aged >40 years, with poor sleep quality and poor self-reported health diagnosed with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) and motor disabilities.