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Importance of an Integrated Assessment of Functional Disability and Work Ability in Workers Affected by Low Back Pain

  • Fabrizio Russo (Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation) ;
  • Cristina Di Tecco (Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene) ;
  • Simone Russo (Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene) ;
  • Giorgia Petrucci (Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome) ;
  • Gianluca Vadala (Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation) ;
  • Vincenzo Denaro (Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Campus Bio-Medico University Hospital Foundation) ;
  • Sergio Iavicoli (Ministry of Health, Directorate for Communication and International Affairs)
  • Received : 2023.02.16
  • Accepted : 2023.11.05
  • Published : 2024.03.30

Abstract

Background: This study examines the relationship between functional disability and work ability in workers affected by low back pain (LBP) through an analysis of correlations between the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Work Ability Index (WAI). The role of personal and work factors on functional disability/work ability levels has also been studied. LBP is the most common musculoskeletal problem and a major disabling health problem worldwide. Its etiology is multifactorial. Multidisciplinary approaches may help reduce the burden of pain and disability and improve job continuity and reintegration at work. Methods: A cohort of 264 patients affected by LBP from an Italian outpatient clinic were included in a clinical diagnostic/therapeutic trial aiming at rehabilitation and return to work through an integrated investigation protocol. Data were collected during the first medical examination using anamnestic and clinical tools. The final sample is composed of 252 patients, 57.1% man, 44.0 % blue collars, 46.4% with the high school degree, 45.6% married. Results: WAI and ODI reported a negative and fair correlation (r = -0.454; p = .000). Workers with acute LBP symptoms have a higher probability of severe disability than those with chronic LBP symptoms. White collars without depressive symptoms reported higher work ability - even in chronic disability conditions-than those with depressive symptoms. Conclusion: The study found that ODI and WAI have a convergent validity and this suggests that the two tools measure capture distinctive aspects of disability related to personal, environmental, and occupational characteristics. The most important and modifiable prognostic factors found for ODI and WAI were depressive symptoms, workday absence, and intensity of back pain. The study also found a mild association between age and ODI. The study's findings highlight the importance of using a multidisciplinary approach to manage and prevent disability due to LBP.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was funded by the Research Grants (BRIC-2018 ID3 and BRIC-2021 ID4) of the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL).

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