Occupational role performance in persons with back pain.
OBJECTIVE
Back pain is a major cause of work disability but there is little data on the impact of back pain among persons who are working. The purpose of this study was to develop a measure of occupational role performance for individuals with back pain and to examine its relationship with sociodemographic and work-related factors.


METHODS
Item analysis and reduction resulted in a short, eight-item Occupational Role Questionnaire (ORQ) consisting of two scales, a productivity scale and a satisfaction with work scale. The scales had good internal consistency and correlated as expected with the Roland and Morris Disability Scale.


RESULTS
In a multivariate logistic model, significant negative effects on work satisfaction were observed for age 30-39 years relative to age 50+, having a job that required lifting, and the level of disability.


CONCLUSIONS
The ORQ may have applications in studying the consequences of back pain and other chronic conditions in the workplace.
Kopec
J A
JA
Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Esdaile
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D001416:Back Pain / Q000523:psychology*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004526:Efficiency; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D017770:Lifting / Q000009:adverse effects; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012803:Sick Role; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires / Q000592:standards*