Baseline predictors of persistence of low back pain
| Persistence of low back pain | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Predictor | n* | %† | PRR | (95% CI)‡ | PRR | (95% CI)§ |
| Occupation | ||||||
| Office worker | 71 | 56.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 | ||
| Nurse | 162 | 60.7 | 1.1 | (0.9 to 1.3) | 1.0 | (0.8 to 1.3) |
| Occupational lifting¶ | 144 | 61.3 | 1.2 | (0.9 to 1.5) | 1.1 | (0.9 to 1.4) |
| Adverse beliefs about LBP | ||||||
| Physical activity | 93 | 58.5 | 1.0 | (0.8 to 1.1) | 0.9 | (0.8 to 1.0) |
| Work-relatedness | 196 | 61.6 | 1.2 | (1.0 to 1.5) | 1.2 | (1.0 to 1.5) |
| Prognosis | 128 | 64.7 | 1.2 | (1.1 to 1.4) | 1.1 | (1.0 to 1.3) |
| Mental health | ||||||
| Good | 56 | 57.7 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Intermediate | 68 | 55.3 | 1.0 | (0.8 to 1.2) | 0.9 | (0.8 to 1.1) |
| Poor | 109 | 63.4 | 1.1 | (0.9 to 1.3) | 1.0 | (0.9 to 1.1) |
| Number of distressing somatic symptoms in past week | ||||||
| 0 | 115 | 55.3 | 1 | 1 | ||
| 1 | 66 | 60.6 | 1.1 | (0.9 to 1.3) | 1.2 | (1.1 to 1.4) |
| ≥2 | 52 | 69.3 | 1.3 | (1.0 to 1.5) | 1.2 | (1.1 to 1.3) |
| Smoking | ||||||
| Never | 105 | 62.9 | 1 | 1 | ||
| Former smoker | 51 | 54.3 | 0.9 | (0.7 to 1.1) | 0.8 | (0.7 to 1.0) |
| Current smoker | 77 | 58.8 | 1.0 | (0.9 to 1.2) | 0.9 | (0.8 to 1.0) |
| LBP in past 12 months | ||||||
| ≤1 month in total | 97 | 48.5 | 1 | 1 | ||
| >1 month in total | 136 | 70.8 | 1.4 | (1.2 to 1.7) | 1.4 | (1.2 to 1.6) |
Analysis was restricted to the 392 subjects with LBP in the past month at baseline.
*Number of subjects with outcome.
†Percentage of subjects with outcome.
‡Each risk factor analysed in a separate regression model that included sex, age (in four 10-year bands) and occupation.
§All risk factors analysed in a single regression model that also included sex and age (in four 10-year bands).
¶Lifting weights >25 kg by hand in an average working day.
LBP, low back pain; PRR, prevalence rate ratios.