• W Kuijer, S Brouwer, H R Schiphorst Preuper, J W Groothoff, J H B Geertzen, and P U Dijkstra.
• Northern Centre for Healthcare Research, University of Groningen, The Netherlands. w.kuijer@rev.umcg.nl
• Disabil Rehabil. 2006 Mar 30;28(6):379-88.

PurposeExploring 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).MethodNinety-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.ResultsNon-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.ConclusionsThe 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.

23 keywords...

hide…