{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Work-Related Fear-Avoidance Beliefs and Risk of Low-Back Pain: Prospective Cohort Study Among Healthcare Workers.
{Author}: Jakobsen MD;Vinstrup J;Andersen LL;
{Journal}: J Occup Rehabil
{Volume}: 0
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: 2024 Aug 5
{Factor}: 3.134
{DOI}: 10.1007/s10926-024-10221-y
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>Low-back pain (LBP) is a prevalent condition among healthcare workers, negatively affecting well-being and work ability. Research has identified fear-avoidance beliefs, i.e., the belief that physical activities worsen or prolong pain, as a key psychological factor in LBP. Given the physical demands of healthcare work, understanding the link between fear-avoidance and LBP is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies. This study investigated the prospective association between fear-avoidance beliefs and risk of increased LBP intensity and duration in hospital workers.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>Fear-avoidance beliefs and LBP were assessed in 1933 healthcare workers from 389 departments at 19 hospitals at baseline and 1-year follow-up. Associations between baseline work-related fear-avoidance beliefs (FABW) and LBP intensity and duration at follow-up were analyzed using cumulative logistic regression, adjusting for various factors including age, sex, baseline LBP, education, seniority, patient transfers, psychosocial work environment, and lifestyle.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Moderate and high FABW was associated with higher odds of increased pain intensity (OR: 1.37 [95% CI 1.09-1.73] and 1.85 [95% CI 1.18-2.88], respectively) and prolonged pain duration (OR: 1.37 [95% CI 1.05-1.78] and 2.27 [95% CI 1.50-3.44], respectively). A sensitivity analysis including only female nurses showed similar results, with the high FABW group having significantly higher odds of increased pain intensity (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.84-4.72) and duration (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.55-4.49).<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Fear-avoidance beliefs increase the risk of LBP intensity and duration among healthcare workers, emphasizing the need for interventions dealing with psychological aspects of LBP.