Citation

Mannion AF, Horisberger B, Eisenring C, Tamcan O, Elfering A, Müller U. J. Occup. Environ. Med. 2009; 51(11): 1256-1266.

Affiliation

From the Spine Center Division, Department of Research and Development (Dr Mannion), Schulthess Klinik, Zürich, Switzerland; Winterthur Institute of Health Economics WIG, School of Management and Law (Dr Horisberger, Ms Eisenring), Zürich University of Ap

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0b013e3181beac69

PMID

19858741

Abstract

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.

Language: en