AIM

To investigate neck pain prevalence and risk factors pain in China.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study.

SETTING

Nationwide study conducted in China.

POPULATION

Adults aged 45 years or older.

METHODS

The data for the study were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 19816 representative subjects were selected by multi-stage stratified sampling method. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify potential risk factors for neck pain.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of neck pain among Chinese people over 45 was 18.93% (95% CI 18.32-19.55). Neck pain prevalence significantly differed according to sex, with an overall rate of 12.26% in men and 25.04% in women (P<0.001 for sex difference). Risk factors for neck pain included female (odds ratio [OR] 1.83, 95% CI 1.61-2.08), depression (1.23, 1.06-1.42), short sleep time (1.48,1.31-1.68), more than one chronic condition (1.18, 1.04-1.35), headache (4.83, 4.28-5.47), poor health status (2.93, 2.18-3.92), limitation of physical activity (1.37,1.21-1.57) and activity of daily living (1.48, 1.31-1.68). A lower risk of neck pain was associated with age over 75 and illiterate.

CONCLUSIONS

The Prevalence of neck pain in China is relatively high. These results may help to develop proper prevention and treatment measures for patients with neck pain.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Our study provides insights for rehabilitating neck pain in adults aged 45 or older, aiding targeted interventions and preventive measures.