02361nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001653001800042653001700060653001400077100001500091700001800106700001400124700001200138700001600150700001300166245009300179300003200272490000700304520184400311       2002                            d10aLow back pain10acompensation10aEconomics1 aFransen M.1 aWoodward Mark1 aCoggan C.1 aDawe M.1 aSheridan N.1 aNorton R00aRisk factors associated with the transition from acute to chronic occupational back pain  a92-8. [Impact Factor 2.499]0 v273 a<p>
STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study was conducted on workers claiming earnings-related compensation for low back pain. Information obtained at the time of the initial claim was linked to compensation status (still claiming or not claiming) 3 months later. OBJECTIVE: To identify individual, psychosocial, and workplace risk factors associated with the transition from acute to chronic occupational back pain. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite the magnitude of the economic and social costs associated with chronic occupational back pain, few prospective studies have investigated risk factors identifiable in the acute stage. METHODS: At the time of the initial compensation claim, a self-administered questionnaire was used to gather information on a wide range of risk factors. Then 3 months later, chronicity was determined from claimants' computerized records. RESULTS: The findings showed that 3 months after the initial assessment, 204 of the recruited 854 claimants (23.9%) still were receiving compensation payments. A combined multiple regression model of individual, psychosocial, and workplace risk factors demonstrated that severe leg pain (odds ratio [OR], 1.9), obesity (OR, 1.7), all three Oswestry Disability Index categories above minimal disability (OR, 3.1-4), a General Health Questionnaire score of at least 6 (OR, 1.9), unavailability of light duties on return to work (OR, 1.7), and a job requirement of lifting for three fourths of the day or more all were significant, independent determinants of chronicity (P &lt; 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Simple self-report measures of individual, psychosocial, and workplace factors administered when earnings-related compensation for back pain is claimed initially can identify individuals with increased odds for development of chronic occupational disability.
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