RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Psychosocial risks for low back pain: are these related to work?
JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases
JO Ann Rheum Dis
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism
SP 500
OP 502
DO 10.1136/ard.57.8.500
VO 57
IS 8
A1 Ann C Papageorgiou
A1 Peter R Croft
A1 Elaine Thomas
A1 Alan J Silman
A1 Gary J Macfarlane
YR 1998
UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/57/8/500.abstract
AB OBJECTIVES To examine whether psychosocial risks for low back pain, reported in previous studies, are specific to the working population or are more widely relevant.METHODS A large population-based survey identified subjects free of low back pain, and obtained information on the degree of satisfaction with work (or not working) and the adequacy of income for their family’s needs. New episodes of consulting and non-consulting low back pain were identified prospectively over 12 months. The psychosocial risks for developing a new low back pain episode are examined in employed and non-employed groups separately.RESULTS Dissatisfaction with work status doubled the risk of reporting a new low back pain episode in both the employed (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence intervals 1.2, 3.3) and non-employed (OR 2.0, 1.2, 3.1). Those perceiving their income as inadequate were at a threefold risk of consulting for this symptom regardless of their employment status (employed: OR 3.6, 1.8, 7.2; non-employed: OR 3.6, 1.4, 9.0).CONCLUSION Psychosocial factors pose similar risks for a new low back pain episode in workers and the non-employed. This suggests that such influences may not be related solely to work but be a function of general aspects of life. The economic and individual impact of psychosocial interventions in the workplace, therefore, are likely to be limited unless account is taken of the influence of broader non-work related aspects.