Table 5

Univariate associations between low back pain in past 12 months and self reported risk factors

Self reported risk factors Low back pain
PR (95% CI) 		Chronic low back pain PR (95% CI) Severe low back pain PR (95% CI) Low back pain and perceived disability
PR (95% CI)
Scaffolding0.99 (0.79 to 1.25)1.21 (0.69 to 2.14)2.04 (1.13 to 3.67)5-150 1.12 (0.61 to 2.03)
High manual handling of materials1.35 (1.10 to 1.65)5-150 1.43 (0.90 to 2.27)1.74 (1.15 to 2.63)5-150 1.52 (0.93 to 2.48)5-150
High strenuous arm position1.18 (0.97 to 1.44)5-150 1.24 (0.79 to 1.96)1.41 (0.94 to 2.11)5-150 2.17 (1.26 to 3.73)5-150
Many awkward back postures1.28 (1.06 to 1.55)5-150 1.78 (1.14 to 2.80)5-150 1.93 (1.30 to 2.87)5-150 1.76 (1.10 to 2.82)5-150
High perceived exertion1.28 (1.04 to 1.58)5-150 2.39 (1.37 to 4.14)5-150 2.10 (1.32 to 3.34)5-150 1.82 (1.05 to 3.13)5-150
High job demands1.36 (1.13 to 1.64)5-150 1.53 (0.99 to 2.37)5-150 2.54 (1.70 to 3.78)5-150 1.93 (1.22 to 3.06)5-150
High job demand and low job control1.32 (1.09 to 1.58)5-150 1.42 (0.90 to 2.24)2.32 (1.62 to 3.31)5-150 1.55 (0.97 to 2.48)5-150
High need for recovery1.45 (1.20 to 1.75)5-150 2.30 (1.44 to 3.68)5-150 2.49 (1.65 to 3.77)5-150 2.06 (1.27 to 3.33)5-150
Moderate perceived general health1.47 (1.23 to 1.76)5-150 3.00 (1.91 to 4.73)5-150 2.99 (2.03 to 4.43)5-150 2.54 (1.61 to 4.03)5-150

  • ↵5-150 χ2-test, p<0.10.

  • PR=prevalence ratio; 95% CI = 95% confidence interval.