Spinal pain prevalence and associated determinants: A population-based study using the National Survey for Wales

Spinal pain (SP) remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. The present study aimed to establish a current prevalence of SP and associated determinants in Wales by retrospectively analyzing data from the National Survey for Wales Dataset (NSWD). The NSWD is a large-scale cross-sectional, representative sample of adults across Wales, UK. A univariable and multivariable regression analysis was carried out on self-reported answers to health and well-being questions contained within the NSWD (2016-2020) to determine the strength of association of various determinants and comorbidities related to spinal pain. A total population of 38,954 of adults were included in the analysis. The study population included interview responses of 21,735 females and 17,219 males. The prevalence of SP in Wales was 4.95% (95% CI: 4.74%-5.15%) with a total of 847 males (4.92%, CI: 4.60%-5.24%) and 1082 females (4.98%, CI: 4.69%-5.27%) reporting spinal pain. The age group with the highest prevalence of SP was in the 70+ years age group for both males (5.44%, CI: 4.82%-6.07%) and females (5.95%, CI: 5.37%-6.54%). The strength of association between age and SP reaches its peak at 50-59 years with an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) of 3.74 (p = <0.001), that decreases slightly at 60-69 years and 70+ years. For various comorbidities included in the NSWD, significant associations with SP were confirmed for: mental illness (aOR = 1.42, p = <0.001), migraine (aOR = 2.73, p = <0.001), nervous system issues (aOR = 1.61, p = <0.001), arthritis (aOR = 1.30, p = <0.001) and issues with bones/joints/muscles (aOR = 1.93, p = <0.001). For lifestyle factors, associations were confirmed for current smokers (aOR = 1.41, p = <0.001) and ex-smokers (aOR = 1.23, p = 0.003). This study demonstrates a low prevalence of SP in Wales when compared to global estimates and strong associations to a variety of determinants. This still represents a significant societal burden and these findings may help inform public health initiatives to encourage prevention and evidence-based interventional strategies and ultimately, improve the quality of life for those suffering with SP in Wales.