Risk factors for low back pain in the Chinese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background In China, the world’s largest developing country, low back pain (LBP) is a common public health issue affecting workability. This meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the risk factors of LBP in the Chinese population. Methods Four English language and four Chinese databases were searched, and cross-sectional studies on the risk factors for LBP in Chinese populations were identified and collected. The search timeframe covered the period from the establishment of the database to November 2023. Two researchers independently reviewed the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the risk of bias. Begg’s and Egger’s tests were used to evaluate publication bias. Results Fifteen cross-sectional studies involving 86,575 people were included. Seven risk factors for LBP were identified. Six risk factors were statistically significant: Cigarette smoking (odds ratio [OR] = 1.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15, 2.08, P = 0.004, I2 = 72%), body mass index (BMI) ≥ 28 kg/m² (OR = 4.51; 95% CI: 3.36, 6.07, P