Independent effect of physical workload and childhood socioeconomic status on low back pain among health care workers in Denmark

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articlepeer-review

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the independent effect of physical workload and childhood socioeconomic status (CSES) on low back pain (LBP) and LBP-related sickness absence among female health care workers.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The role of physical workload on LBP independently from CSES is still subject to controversy.

METHODS: We used questionnaire data from 1661 female social and health care workers responding to a questionnaire in 2004, 2005, and 2006. We collected information on CSES (parental occupation), physical workload, and LBP-prevalence (no LBP, subchronic LBP, and frequent LBP), and LBP-related sickness absence. The participants were categorized into 5 groups according to CSES (I = highest, V = lowest). Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS: Irrespective of CSES, high physical workload increased the odds ratio (OR) of future subchronic LBP (OR = 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.61-2.57) and frequent LBP (OR = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.65-3.00), but not LBP-related sickness absence. The odds of subchronic LBP were lower in CSES groups II (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.42-0.93) and III (OR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.86) referencing CSES group I, irrespective of physical workload. The odds of short-term LBP-related sickness absence were higher in CSES groups III (OR = 2.78; 95% CI, 1.41-5.47) and IV (OR = 2.18; 95% CI, 1.11-4.27) referencing CSES group I, irrespective of physical workload. We found no interaction between physical workload and CSES.

CONCLUSION: Physical workload and CSES are independently associated with future LBP within a group with similar occupational status.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Original languageEnglish
JournalSpine
Volume38
Issue number6
Pages (from-to)E359-66
ISSN0362-2436
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Mar 2013

    Research areas

  • Adult, Child, Denmark, Female, Health Personnel, Humans, Logistic Models, Low Back Pain, Middle Aged, Occupational Diseases, Prospective Studies, Questionnaires, Risk Assessment, Risk Factors, Sick Leave, Social Class, Workload, Young Adult

ID: 120903023