The Determinants of Prevalence of Low Back Pain; A Systematic Review

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and a leading cause of disability, imposing a significant burden on individuals and healthcare systems. This study aimed to systematically review the determinants influencing the prevalence of LBP across diverse populations. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A comprehensive search was performed across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar to identify relevant studies published up to 2025. Studies reporting the prevalence and/or determinants of LBP among adult populations or specific occupational groups were included, and the findings were synthesized qualitatively. A total of 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results demonstrated that the prevalence of LBP varies widely depending on population characteristics and occupational exposure, with higher rates consistently reported among healthcare workers and other high-risk occupational groups. Occupational factors such as prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, and repetitive movements were the most frequently identified determinants. Psychological factors, including stress and job dissatisfaction, were also strongly associated with LBP. In addition, demographic factors such as age and gender, lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity and smoking, and clinical conditions including degenerative spinal disorders and obesity were identified as significant contributors. Overall, LBP is a multifactorial condition influenced by a complex interaction of physical, behavioral, and psychosocial factors. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive and multidisciplinary approaches to prevention and management, with particular emphasis on workplace interventions, lifestyle modification, and psychological support to reduce the global burden of LBP.