Biopsychosocial Factors and Perceived Disability in Saleswomen with Concurrent Low Back Pain

摘要

Objectives: To quantify disability level in salespeople with concurrent low back pain (LBP) and to determine the relative associations between demographic, occupational, psychosocial and clinical factors and back disability. {LBP} is the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years of age and the most expensive cause of work-related disability, in terms of workers' compensation and medical expenses. Evidence suggests high prevalence of {LBP} in salespeople. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in which 184 saleswomen with a current episode of self-reported {LBP} working in a large up-scale department store filled out a battery of 6 self-administered questionnaires and received a standardised physical examination. Results: Saleswomen with concurrent {LBP} had low disability levels. Factors significantly associated with disability were pain intensity, measured by a visual analogue scale, in the past week (p 0.001), physical and mental health status (p 0.001, p = 0.003, respectively), fear avoidance scores for both work and physical activities (p = 0.031, p = 0.014, respectively), past history of {LBP} (p = 0.019), and self-reported frequency of pushing or pulling objects placed in high positions during work (p = 0.047). A significant level (45%) of the variance in disability status was explained by these variables. Conclusion: In clinical management of {LBP} workers who required prolonged standing, such as salespeople, clinicians should look for modifiable risk factors associated with disability. Specific measures need to be taken to prevent disability due to {LBP} among salespeople.