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Musculoskeletal pain in 6-year-old children: the Generation R Study
Marleen M van den Heuvel1,2, Pauline W Jansen3,4, Patrick J E Bindels1
1Department of General Practice, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Insights
Musculoskeletal pain is common in 6-year-olds, affecting 10% and often being chronic or recurrent. Previous pain and behavioral issues are key risk factors for developing this pain.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric health
- Epidemiology
- Child psychology
Background:
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is a frequent concern in children and adolescents, leading to primary care visits.
- Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of MSK pain in early childhood is crucial for timely intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of MSK pain in 6-year-old children within a general population.
- To investigate associations between MSK pain and various physical and psychosocial factors in young children.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the population-based Generation R Study, including parent-reported questionnaires from 6200 children at age 6.
- Collected information on demographics, physical activity, sedentary behaviors, prior MSK pain, and behavioral problems.
- Calculated Body Mass Index (BMI) SD scores from objective measurements and analyzed data using univariate and multivariable analyses.
Main Results:
- A 3-month prevalence of 10.0% for MSK pain was identified in 6-year-old children.
- One-third of cases were chronic, and 44.6% involved pain at multiple sites.
- Significant associations were found between current MSK pain and prior MSK pain at age 3 (OR 5.10) and behavioral problems (OR 2.10).
- Higher television viewing (≥2 hours/day) was associated with MSK pain, while BMI and physical activity levels showed no significant association.
Conclusions:
- MSK pain is prevalent and often chronic or recurrent even in young children.
- History of MSK pain and presence of behavioral problems are independent predictors of MSK pain in this age group.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering psychosocial factors and previous pain history in pediatric MSK pain management.
Abstract:
Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is frequently reported among adolescents and children and is a common reason for consultation in primary care. Our aim is to examine its prevalence in 6-year-old children in a general population and to assess associations with physical and psychosocial factors. Data from the Generation R Study, a population-based cohort, was used. Prevalence and characteristics of MSK pain were assessed with parent-reported questionnaires at 6 years of age (N = 6200). Demographics and data on physical activity, sedentary behaviors, previous reported MSK pain, and behavioral problems were extracted from questionnaires. The body mass index SD score was calculated from objectively measured weight and height. A 3-month prevalence of 10.0% was found for MSK pain in children, of which one-third was chronic, and 44.6% experienced together with pain at other sites. Univariate analyses showed that boys and children with lower socioeconomic status reported MSK pain more frequently compared to other pain and no pain. Although no associations were found between MSK pain and children's body mass index and physical activity level, children with MSK pain were more likely to watch television ≥2 hours/day. Multivariable analysis showed significant associations for MSK pain at 3 years of age (odds ratio 5.10, 95% confidence interval 3.25-7.98) and behavioral problems (odds ratio 2.10, 95% confidence interval 1.19-3.72) with the presence of MSK pain. So, MSK pain is already common in young children and is often chronic or recurrent. Previous reported MSK pain and behavioral problems are independently associated with MSK pain in the studied population.
