OBJECTIVES: Low back pain can pose a significant functional limitation for the working population. Current study assessed the association between emerging occupational psychosocial risk factors and frequent, severe low back pain (LBP) among US workers aged 18 - 64 years using a national database. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using 2015 National Health Interview Survey data and its Occupational Health Survey Supplement. Operationalization of LBP was based on the frequency and severity of LBP in past 3 months. Bivariate analyses were conducted using Rao-Scott Chi-Square tests to test between-group differences. A multivariable logistic regression was done to measure the association between work-related psychosocial risk factors and LBP. Additionally, the role of perceived supervisor support, work strain, type of sick leave (paid vs. unpaid) was also assessed. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Complex survey design of NHIS was accounted for in all analyses.
RESULTS: The prevalence of LBP was found to be 7.97%. All psychosocial risk factors included in this study – hostile work environment (OR: 1.364, CI: 1.018 - 1.828), high job insecurity (OR: 1.322, CI: 1.024 - 1.706) and, work-family conflict (OR: 1.241, CI: 1.012 - 1.523) were found to have significant positive association with LBP. However, perceived positive supervisor support was found to lower the odds (OR: 0.767, CI: 0.592 - 0.993) of LBP. Functional limitation (OR: 7.085, CI: 5.745 – 8.738), work strain (OR: 1.321, CI: 1.039 – 1.680), and unpaid sick leave (OR: 1.234, CI: 1.004 – 1.517) were found to increase the odds of LBP significantly.
CONCLUSIONS: Current study adds to literature supporting the relationship between occupational stressors and their impact on LBP. It is important to consider the role occupational psychosocial risk factors in the design and implementation of occupational health strategies, programs, and LBP management and prevention guidelines among US workers.
