Workplace Psychosocial Factors, Work Organization, and Physical Exertion as Risk Factors for Low Back Pain Among US Workers

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the association between workplace psychosocial, organization, and physical risk factors with low back pain (LBP) among US workers. Methods 2015 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed to calculate the prevalence rates and prevalence ratios for LBP across levels of workplace psychosocial and organizational risk factors among 17,464 US adult workers who worked ≥20 hours per week. Results were also stratified by workplace physical exertion. Results The adjusted prevalence rates of LBP were significantly elevated for workers reporting high job demand, low job control, work-family imbalance, bullying, job insecurity, working alternate shifts, and physical exertion. Job control and nonstandard shifts were significantly associated with LBP only among those who reported low/no physical exertion. Conclusions LBP prevalence was associated with select workplace psychosocial and organization risk factors. Stratification by physical exertion modified multiple associations.