Work status and chronic low back pain: exploring the international classification of functioning, disability and health

Abstract

Purpose. Exploring which variables are related to work status in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).

Method. Ninety-two patients with CLBP filled out questionnaires inquiring after health status, impairments in body functions/structures, limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), participation in work, environmental and personal factors. Additionally, patients performed tests to measure physical fitness and performance of work-related activities. Univariate analyses were performed to investigate whether differences exist between working and non-working patients. Logistic linear regression analysis was performed to explain work status from the variables of functioning.

Results. Non-working patients had a lower self-reported physical and mental health, lower physical fitness, more self-reported limitations in ADL, lower education, more depressive symptoms and higher psycho neuroticism than working patients. Self-reported physical and mental health and educational level correctly classified 84.5% of the patients as working or non-working. Performance of work-related activities was not significantly related with work-status.

Conclusions. The relation between work status and CLBP is multidimensional, as was illustrated by using the bio-psychosocial model of the ICF. Patients with a low educational level, a low self-reported physical or mental health were more likely to be non-working. Self-reported limitations and physical and mental health are more important in explaining work status than objective measurements of performance.

Keywords:

• Chronic low back pain
• work disability
• sick leave
• ICF