The Impact of Population Aging on Ergonomic-Related Low Back Pain Across Regions with Different Development Levels

Population aging is a major driver of the ergonomic low back pain(LBP) burden, but its impact may vary across regions with different development levels. This study aimed to quantify and compare these differences.

Using data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021), we conducted a decomposition analysis to assess the independent contributions and attributable fractions of population aging and epidemiological rate changes to the disability-adjusted life years(DALYs) of ergonomic LBP from 1990 to 2021. Differences were compared across Socio-demographic Index(SDI) regions and by sex.

From 1990 to 2021, population aging contributed to an increase of 958,564.25 DALYs globally (attributable fraction: 24.74%). The highest attributable fraction was observed in high-middle SDI regions (127.9%). Globally, reductions in DALY rates fully offset the effects of aging (R < -1), with the largest relative impact seen in low-SDI regions (R = 14.64). The contribution of aging was higher in men (29.36%) than in women (21.70%) across all regions.

The impact of aging on the burden of ergonomic LBP is not uniform and follows a non-linear pattern across SDI levels. Public health efforts can mitigate this burden. Targeted strategies focusing on high-middle SDI regions and male workers are needed to support healthy aging and reduce disparities in global occupational health protection.