Estimates of back pain in older Indonesians remain uncertain
A review found that low back pain was common in the populations studied, but its pooled estimate changed substantially after a statistical adjustment.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The review estimated that low back pain affected a substantial share of the older adults studied. However, the uncertainty interval was wide, and a statistical adjustment produced a much lower estimate. These results describe pain prevalence in the available research; they do not establish a precise nationwide rate or show that rates are rising.
The studies covered only part of Indonesia. This abstract-based account cannot establish the pain assessment periods or determine which pooled estimate better represents national prevalence.
What researchers found
Pooled prevalence of low back pain
Older Indonesians in the included studies; no comparator group. The pain assessment timeframe was not reported.
Adjusted pooled prevalence of low back pain
Trim-and-fill estimate, compared with the unadjusted pooled estimate above; the pain assessment timeframe was not reported.
What the review asked
Researchers combined studies to estimate how widespread low back pain was among older Indonesians. They also examined differences by pain severity, setting, age, sex and occupation, although the abstract gives no subgroup results.
Why the estimates differ
The trim-and-fill analysis substantially changed the pooled estimate. The abstract provides insufficient detail to judge which estimate is closer to national prevalence, so the adjusted figure should not be treated as a definitive correction.
The original publication
Low Back Pain Prevalence in Indonesian Older Adults: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Susanto H, Dang LT, Winitchayothin S et al.
Pain Manag Nurs · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 40816917
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.