This study further substantiates the findings of prior research that describes a significant relationship between back pain, stress, and smoking. Understanding the role of modifiable risk factors (ie, smoking and stress) and their impact on back pain provides an opportunity to offer a comprehensive and tailored treatment plan.
Background
Life purpose in acute low back pain patients is not well described in published literature.
Methods/Purpose
We used linear regression models to describe the relationship of life purpose with perceived functional disability and depression in persons with acute low back pain (N=42) participating in a randomized clinical trial to prevent transition to chronic low-back pain.
Results
In our predominantly female sample (81.8%) with a mean age of 53 years (standard deviation =11.6 years), 52% worked full-time. Adjusting for age, gender and working status, life purpose was a significant correlate of depression (p = .007). For every 10-unit increase in life purpose score, the estimated depression score decreased by almost 2.5 points. A significant relationship between life purpose and perceived functional disability was not identified.
Conclusion
Life purpose likely is a modifiable risk factor for depression in acute low back pain patients.
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