Low-Back Pain (LBP), Work and Absenteeism: a follow-up study

Low back pain (LBP) is a big concern in Occupational Health (OH). LBP prevention and work-absenteeism decline is a common objective for workers and employers. Ooccupational LBP Work-related Absenteeism is a problem for OH namely related with the probability of chronicity and the inefficacy of prevention measures. In this study, workers filled out two questionnaires, the first gathering data on socio-demographic and work-related features, general health, LBP episodes in the last 12 months, and the second, 18 months after, for LBP episodes and related absenteeism. 745 workers answered the first questionnaire and 649 the second. Among the 745 workers from different companies (A, B, C, D), 507 (69%) reported LBP in the last year (A 78,4%; B 60%; C 67%; D 77%) and 37.1% need medical care for the LBP. Absenteeism was present for 4.7%. Among the 649 workers that answer the 2nd questionnaire 38.4% have a LBP event in the previously 18 months and from those 65.8% refer more than 3 episodes. 5.6% reported LBP related absenteeism and 207 workers that reported LBP at the first questionnaire still have it. These findings suggest that having LBP may become chronic for many workers. LBP prevention is needed for workers with LBP, maybe with programs as return-to-work policy and controlled and gradated activity after injury.