Psychosocial areas of worklife and chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this review was to synthesize the evidence on the potential relationship between psychosocial work factors from the Areas of Worklife (AW) model (workload, job control, social support, reward, fairness, and values) and chronic low back pain (CLBP; unspecific pain in the lumbar region lasting 3 months or longer).MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search of studies in Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL (1987 to 2018). Three authors independently assessed eligibility and quality of studies. In this meta-analysis, we pooled studies’ effect sizes using a random-effects model approach and report sample size weighted mean Odds Ratios (ORs).ResultsData from 18 studies (N = 19,572) was included in the analyses. We found no studies investigating associations between fairness or values and CLBP. CLBP was significantly positively related to workload (OR = 1.32) and significantly negatively related to overall job control (OR = 0.81), decision authority (OR = 0.72), and two measures of social support (ORs = 0.75 to 0.78), even in prospective studies. Skill discretion and reward did not significantly relate to CLBP. Moderation analyses revealed several variables (e.g., exposure time, mean age and sex) affecting these relationships.ConclusionsOur results support employees’ workload, job control, and social support as predictors of CLBP. In this line, these work factors should be considered when developing programs to prevent chronic low back pain. Future studies should apply measures of CLBP that are more precise, and investigate the full areas of work life (AW) factors in combination.

Study on the Associations of Individual and Work-Related Factors with Low Back Pain among Manufacturing Workers Based on Logistic Regression and Structural Equation Model

“…A possible interpretation may be that high job demand such as maximum workload and short deadlines was likely to increase hurried movements with high accelerations or poor posture. Additionally, some studies have found support for the association of low social support with LBP [ 70 , 71 , 72 ]. In contrast, our study indicated no direct relation between social support and LBP, which was similar to the studies from the Sterud and Hartvigsen [ 66 , 73 ].…”

Disruptive Impacts of Living With Chronic Low Back Pain and Experience of Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy – A Qualitative Process Evaluation of a Randomised Control Trial

“…Chronic LBP affects physical, psychological and social aspects of people's lives [12][13][14][15][16][17]. For example, chronic LBP has been associated with reduced physical work capacity, poor mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety and psychological distress), low self-e cacy, and restriction in social participation [14][15][16][17][18][19]. Clinical practice guidelines endorse a variety of conservative treatments for supporting people with chronic LBP [20][21][22].…”

Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine Interventions on Chronic Low Back Pain Using Goal Attainment Scaling

“…Variations in the study samples and data definition and collection methods in these studies generated diverse results, with a prevalence estimation ranging from 2% to 25% in adult populations. Some researchers believe that the world-wide prevalence of low back pain is likely to be around 23% [ 1 , 2 ]. Empirical studies [ 1 ] found that women are more likely to suffer from low back pain than men.…”

“…Many socioeconomic factors such as high workloads, low job control, and a lack of social support also contribute to the high prevalence of chronic low back pain. Chronic manifestation of pain is associated with a loss of productivity, emotional distress, and limitations in activities of daily living [ 2 ].…”