The association between beliefs about low back pain and work presenteeism.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the influence of beliefs about low back pain (LBP) on reduced productivity at work ("presenteeism") caused by LBP.


METHODS
Two thousand five hundred seven individuals completed the Back Beliefs Questionnaire, the Fear Avoidance Beliefs questionnaire (FABQ), and questions about LBP-related work-absence, reduced work-productivity, pain, comorbidity, and demographics.


RESULTS
Six hundred seventy (25%) individuals were of working age, employed and reported current LBP. Univariate models showed beliefs were more "negative" in individuals with work-absence and reduced productivity (P = 0.0001). In multivariable analysis, controlling for confounders, "FABQwork" was a unique predictor of both absenteeism and presenteeism (each, P = 0.0001), though with small effect sizes.


CONCLUSIONS
Negative beliefs about LBP are associated with both work absence and reduced work-productivity. Further investigations should examine their potential as a target for educational interventions when considering initiatives to reduce the socioeconomic costs of LBP.
Spine Center Division, Department of Research and Development, Schulthess Klinik, Zürich, Switzerland. anne.mannion@kws.ch
Anne F
AF
Mannion
Bruno
B
Horisberger
Claudia
C
Eisenring
Oezguer
O
Tamcan
Achim
A
Elfering
Urs
U
Müller
D000041:Absenteeism; D000368:Aged; D004526:Efficiency; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013557:Switzerland