Dor lombar e transtornos mentais comuns na Estratégia Saúde da Família: uma associação pouco reconhecida

Objective: To describe the demographic profile of the patients assisted in the Family Health Strategy of four Brazilian capitals (Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Porto Alegre and Fortaleza) with low back pain and investigate the association between low back pain and depression, anxiety and somatization. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 1857 patients served in the years 2009 (September to November) and 2010 (June to August). Instruments: Screening of somatization (SOMS-2), evaluation of anxiety and depression (HAD), General Questionnaire of the Patient, for sociodemographic data and the Form of the Professional Assistant, with the information regarding the consultations. The low back pain was analyzed from the frequency of three different forms of presentation: auto reference complaint by the patient, symptom recorded by the doctor and diagnosis of backache confirmed by the doctor. Results: 77.3% were women with more than four years of study and per capita income less than a minimum wage and a half. We found significant association of low back pain complaints with anxiety (OR=1.5, 95% IC 1,02-2,16) and somatization (OR=1.8, 95% IC 1,12-2,88) but not with depression. Patients who complained of low back pain, but there was no record of the symptom by the doctor, presented even stronger associations with anxiety (OR=1.6, 95% IC 1,03-2,63) and somatization (OR=2.3, 95% IC 1,33-3,99). Confirmation of the diagnosis of low back pain by the doctor has not been associated significantly with any disorder. Conclusion: Considering low back pain as one of the most prevalence complaints in Primary Care and its significant association with anxiety and Somatization, it is recommended to approach anxiety and somatization in patients with a complaint of low back pain.