Abstract
Objective: Back pain (BP) is a common complaint adolescent in many countries. Its prevalence is not yet verified in Saudi Arabia. The objectives of this study were to investigate prevalence of non-specific BP among adolescents in Hail territory; and to detect the potential risk factors implicated in its development. Method: A cross-sectional population of 1000 students aged 12 to 18 years were selected from junior and high schools in Hail territory. Data were collected through personal interviews using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS software. Results: Older adolescent females who practice physical activities outside school and spend a significant amount of time watching TV, and sitting on uncomfortable school furniture were found to be significantly more likely to have BP. Methods of carrying school materials were not significantly associated with BP. Low-back pain did not significantly affect the number of absent days from school. Conclusions: The study suggests that back pain in Hail territory schoolchildren and adolescents is associated with older age, female gender, increase in physical activity, uncomfortable school furniture, and time spent watching television. Greater attention should be directed toward ergonomic improvements of chair and desk design in the classroom to decrease incidence of LBP among adolescents.