Factors associated with the incidence and worsening of back pain during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil

The article aims to estimate the inci-dence and worsening of back pain (BP) during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil, as well as to investigate demographic, socioeconomic fac-tors and associated changes in living conditions. ConVid - Behavior Research, applied between April and May 2020, was used as data source. The number and distribution of respondents who developed BP and those who had a worsening of the preexisting problem, their 95% confidence in-tervals and Pearson's Chi-square test were estima-ted. The odds ratio of developing BP or worsening a preexisting problem was also estimated using multiple logistic regression models. Pre-existing BP was reported by 33.9% (95%CI 32.5-35.3) of respondents and more than half (54.4%; 95%CI 51.9-56.9) had worsened. The cumulative inci-dence of BP in the first wave of the pandemic was 40.9% (95%CI 39.2-42.7). Being a woman, the perceived increase in housework and the frequent feeling of sadness or depression were associated with both outcomes. Socioeconomic factors were not associated with any of outcome. The high in-cidence and worsening of BP during the first wave reveal the need for studies in more recent periods, given the long duration of the pandemic.

Automated summary

This article aims to estimate the incidence and worsening of back pain during the first wave of COVID-19 in Brazil and investigate the associated factors. The study used data from the ConVid-Behavior Research conducted in April and May 2020. The results showed that 33.9% of respondents reported pre-existing back pain, and more than half experienced worsening symptoms. The cumulative incidence of back pain during the first wave of the pandemic was 40.9%. Factors associated with both outcomes included being a woman, perceived increase in housework, and frequent feelings of sadness or depression. Socioeconomic factors did not show any association with the outcomes. The high incidence and worsening of back pain highlight the need for further studies considering the prolonged duration of the pandemic.