Development of and recovery from short- and long-term low back pain in occupational settings: a prospective cohort study.
Using the data of the EuroBack Unit prospective cohort study, this paper investigated the role of work-related physical factors and psychological variables in predicting the development of and recovery from short-term and long-term LBP. At baseline, 1294 predominantly male industrial workers from 10 companies in Belgium and the Netherlands filled in questionnaires. At follow-up, data from 812 employees were available. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using simple and multiple logistic regression analyses. For those workers reporting 0 days LBP in the year prior to baseline, negative affectivity (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.11) was a risk factor for the development of short-term LBP (=1-30 days total of LBP in the year prior to follow-up). For those who reported 1-30 days total of LBP in the year prior to baseline, only high fear of (re)injury due to movement (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.12) increased the risk for failure to recovery from short-term LBP. For the development of long-term LBP (=more than 30 days total of LBP in the year prior to follow-up), a significant increased risk was observed among workers with high pain severity (OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.01-1.40) and with pain referred to the ankles or feet (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.09-7.83). The risk was reduced by social support of co-workers (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59-0.92) and by manual handling of materials (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46-0.85). For those who reported more than 30 days total of LBP in the year prior to baseline, high pain severity (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.34) increased the risk for failure to recovery from long-term LBP. Results are compared to the baseline study (Gheldof et al., 2005) and discussed in relation with prospective studies.
Gheldof
Els L M
EL
Department of Health Psychology, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Gebouw D, B-3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium.
Vinck
Jan
J
Vlaeyen
Johan W S
JW
Hidding
Alita
A
Crombez
Geert
G
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003289:Convalescence; D005239:Fear; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires