• Bernard J van Vuuren, Hendrik J van Heerden, Piet J Becker, Evert Zinzen, and Romain Meeusen.
• Department of Biokinetics, Sport and Leisure Sciences, LC de Villiers Sport Centre, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa. bernard.vanvuuren@up.ac.za
• Eur J Pain. 2006 Apr 1;10(3):233-9.

AbstractThe objective was to determine the association between the prevalence of lower back problems (LBP), fear-avoidance beliefs and pain coping strategies using an analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study among a group of 366 workers in a South African stainless steel industry. Outcome (LBP) was defined using a questionnaire and a functional rating index. Exposure to psychosocial risk was determined using the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs (FABQ) and Coping Strategies (CSQ) questionnaires. Multivariate logistic regression analyses for LBP indicated the following significant risk factors: work-related fear-avoidance beliefs (OR 3.40; 95% CI 2.20-5.25), catastrophizing (1.31; 1.01-1.7) and pain coping self statements (1.47; 1.16-1.87). Significant protective associations were found for increased activity levels (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.42-0.78). These findings have utility in preventative screening procedures to identify workers with such beliefs and coping strategies who are at risk for prolonged work restrictions.

18 keywords...

hide…