The frequency of common back pain in adolescents is increasing. The published studies show that, unlike what was formerly believed, many structural alterations (scoliosis of less than 60º) do not augment the risk of back pain, while some habits can clearly provoke it (for example, watching TV for more than 3 hours daily). These studies also demonstrate that subjects who suffer from common spinal column disorders during adolescence have a greater risk of persistent back pain in their adulthood and, consequently, more limitations (in the published studies, the mean salary was lower in adults who had suffered from back pain in their adolescent years).

However, the influence of many factors that modern life is introducing into the life of the adolescents is still unknown (leisure and school habits, sports, the different surfaces used for resting, etc.).

The Kovacs Foundation is conducting a study to evaluate the frequency of these disorders among Majorcan adolescents and to determine the associated factors for a greater risk of back pain. The study will include all adolescents born in the island between January 1 1984 and December 31 1986, as well as their parents.

To compile all the required data, it is essential to have a valid and reliable questionnaire.

Objectives.

Methodology.

The study was performed on 150 subjects: 50 Majorcan school adolescents, and their parents or guardians (100). The questionnaire prepared for school students was first filled out in school (and supervised by one of the study coordinators). One week later, the questionnaire was once again given to them in a verbal fashion.

The parents' questionnaires were taken home by the adolescents to be completed by their parents and returned to the study coordinator. One week later, the coordinator phoned the parents to have the questionnaire completed verbally.

When the questionnaire was completed the first time, neither students nor their parents or guardians knew that they would have to do it a second time, or that their answers were to be verified.

The reliability of all answers and their validity was determined comparing them to available data (for example, the academic results reported by the school children and their parents were compared with the school records).

Participants, jointly with the Foundation's Scientific Department.

Consellería de Educació, Cultura i Esports del Govern Balear, Consellería de Sanitat i Consum del Govern Balear, the Medical Collegiate Association in the Balearic Islands, Provincial Directorate of the INSALUD in the Balearic Islands, Provincial Directorate of the Ministry of Education and Science in the Balearic Islands, Federation of Parents and Teachers Associations.

This study was co-financed by the Kovacs Foundation, la Consellería de Educació, Cultura i Esports del Govern Balear and GESA (Gas y Electricidad, S.A.).

Results.

Published in the European Journal of Public Health (Gil del Real MT, Kovacs FM, Gestoso M, Mufraggi N, Dieguez JM, Aguilar S, Alba O, et al. Evaluation of two questionnaires to determine exposure to risk factors for non-specific low back pain in Majorcan school children and their parents. Eur J Public Health, Sept. 1999; 9(3): 194-199.

In summary, the study results demonstrate the validity of the questionnaire as well as its reliability and adequacy.