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Attributions, stress, and work-related low back pain
George Byrns1, Jacqueline Agnew, Barbara Curbow
1Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois, USA.
Applied Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|November 7, 2002
Summary
Understanding worker attributions for low back pain (LBP) is crucial for prevention. This study found that attributing LBP to internal causes and high supervisor support were protective factors, while high job demand and external attributions increased risk.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Psychology
- Ergonomics
Background:
- Occupational low back pain (LBP) is a significant cause of disability and economic burden.
- Existing LBP control strategies are often ineffective, highlighting the need to explore risk factors, particularly psychological influences.
- Worker attributions regarding the cause of LBP may influence perceived control and distress, impacting pain experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between workers' attributions for LBP and the experience of LBP.
- To evaluate the utility of attribution theory in understanding occupational LBP.
- To compare the explanatory power of the Attribution model versus the Demand-Control-Support model for LBP.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 278 garment workers.
- Data collection via self-administered questionnaires and direct observation.
- Psychometric evaluation of scales for worker attributions and back safety knowledge, followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis to test six hypotheses.
Main Results:
- Internal attribution for LBP was associated with greater knowledge of back safety (OR = 3.7).
- High job demand (OR = 2.3) and attributing LBP to job tasks (OR = 3.2) increased LBP likelihood.
- High supervisor support (OR = 0.23) and higher income ($15,000+) were associated with reduced LBP likelihood (OR = 2.8 and 4.1 for income in different models).
- The Attribution model (R² = 26.2%) demonstrated greater explanatory power for LBP than the Demand-Control-Support model (R² = 11.9%).
Conclusions:
- Attribution theory provides a valuable framework for studying occupational LBP.
- Psychological factors, such as attributions and perceived support, play a significant role in LBP.
- Findings suggest potential for LBP prevention interventions targeting worker attributions and workplace support systems.