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Fear‐avoidance beliefs and pain coping strategies in relation to lower back problems in a South African steel industry
Author(s) -
Vuuren Bernard J.,
Heerden Hendrik J.,
Becker Piet J.,
Zinzen Evert,
Meeusen Romain
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1016/j.ejpain.2005.03.012
Subject(s) - psychosocial , coping (psychology) , logistic regression , avoidance coping , medicine , low back pain , clinical psychology , epidemiology , psychology , physical therapy , psychiatry , alternative medicine , pathology
The 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.