Abstract
Background
Low back pain (LBP) is a major public health concern among the global working-age population and is closely associated with occupational ergonomic factors (OEF). However, comprehensive evidence on the global and regional burden of LBP attributable to OEF, as well as its long-term temporal trends in the working population, remains limited. Therefore, a systematic assessment of the burden and trends of OEF-related LBP is essential for informing occupational health policies and preventive strategies.Methods
This study used the GBD 2021 database to analyze the Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) rate and numbers of LBP attributable to OEF across global and SDI regions. DALY counts and population data were aggregated across the age groups 15-19 to 60-64 years to estimate DALY rates and numbers for the working-age population (15-64 years). Age-standardization and time-trend analysis were applied, with Joinpoint regression used to identify inflection points and the rate of change in DALYs globally. Stratified analyses by age group were further performed to assess temporal patterns in LBP burden within the working-age population.Results
From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized DALY rate for LBP attributable to OEF among the global working-age population (15-64 years) decreased from 306.40 (95% UI: 270.5-346.2) per 100,000 population in 1990 to 275.80 (95% UI: 239.6-314.9) per 100,000 population in 2021. The age-standardized DALY rate declined from 1990 to 2021, with an annual average percentage change (AAPC) of -0.68 (95% CI: -0.72 to -0.63). Males experienced a faster decline than females. However, between 2019 and 2021, the downward trend stalled (APC = -0.39 for males; APC = -0.10 for females). Regionally, the highest DALY rates were in low-SDI areas, with 246.21 (95% UI: 333.60-174.75) for males and 292.34 (95% UI: 394.86-207.45) for females in 2021. The 50-54 age group had the highest burden, with females consistently showing higher DALY rates than males across all regions.Conclusions
OEFs are an important contributor to LBP in the working-age population, with significant gender, age, and regional disparities. Despite a global decline in DALY rates, the burden remains substantial, requiring stronger intervention measures.