Introduction Presenteeism has an impact on socioeconomic burden. Low back pain (LBP) is also prevalent problem in eldercare workers and causes presenteeism. Kinesiophobia (fear of movement) is an important psychosocial factor because it is shown more disabling than pain itself. For resolving presenteeism, this study aimed to elucidate the association between kinesiophobia and presenteeism among eldercare workers with LBP.

Methods In this cross-sectional study, we identified 548 eldercare workers with LBP from the database collected in 2014. 343 participants were included for statistical analyses (median 48 years old, female 83.7%). To measure kinesiophobia, we used the 11-item Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). TSK score ranges from 11 to 44, with higher score indicating higher kinesiophobia. 25-item Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) was used to evaluate presenteeism and consisted of ‘Time Management (TM)’, ‘Mental-Interpersonal Demands (MID)’, ‘Physical Demands (PD)’, and ‘Output Demands (OD)’. Productivity loss (%) was estimated from WLQ using algorithm, and categorised into no (<5%), mild (5% to 10.9%), moderate (11% to 16.9%), and severe presenteeism (17%<). WLQ subscales were also categorised into quartile. For the univariate and multivariate analyses, ordinal logistic regression analyses were performed to test associations of TSK score with presenteeism. Covariates were demographic data, LBP status, lifestyle-related factors, and psychosocial factors. Proportional odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated.

Results In the univariate analysis, TSK score was significantly associated with productivity loss and all WLQ subscales. After adjusting for covariates, higher TSK score was significantly associated with larger productivity loss (OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.17). Associations of TSK score with all WLQ subscales also remained significant after adjustment for covariates (TM; OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.09, MID; OR=1.10, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.15, PD; OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.09, OD; OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.10).

Conclusion This study suggests that kinesiophobia could be an important factors related to presenteeism among eldercare workers with LBP.