Table 3

Baseline characteristics that predicted certified sick leaves (>3 days) attributed to LBP during the successive three months

Characteristics at baselineOdds ratio (95% CI)
The final equation in a forward stepwise logistic regression analysis, with likelihood ratio test used as the criterion for determining variables to be removed from the model. n = 3283.
The overall rate of correct classification of the dependent variable (predicted outcome compared with the observed outcome) was estimated as 96.16%.
The factors not retained in the final equation were age, gender, number of preschool children, engagement in special tasks caring nature in the leisure time, intensity of musculoskeletal pain (any), level of affective symptoms, sleep complaints, widespread pain, long term health problems of any kind, working in a somatic hospital department, level of role conflicts at work, the extent of pleasant and relaxing culture in the work unit, rewards for good work, and level of commitment to the work unit.
Quantitative work demands
    1 (lowest quintile)1.00
    21.21 (0.58 to 2.51)
    32.27 (1.32 to 3.90)
    41.23 (0.68 to 2.24)
    51.61 (0.86 to 3.01)
Supportive and encouraging culture in the work unit
    Not at all, very little, or rather little1.00
    Some0.49 (0.27 to 0.90)
    Rather much0.43 (0.24 to 0.77)
    Very much0.46 (0.25 to 0.86)
Fatigue/fitness
    Always or usually fit1.00
    Varied between fit and fatigued1.27 (0.82 to 1.96)
    Usually or always fatigued1.96 (1.13 to 3.38)
Have ever changed work or work tasks because of pain
    No1.00
    Yes1.62 (1.02 to 2.59)
LBP previous 3 months
    No1.00
    Yes1.68 (1.15 to 2.47)