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Predictors of occurrence and severity of first time low back pain episodes: findings from a military inception cohort.

Publication ,  Journal Article
George, SZ; Childs, JD; Teyhen, DS; Wu, SS; Wright, AC; Dugan, JL; Robinson, ME
Published in: PLoS One
2012

Primary prevention studies suggest that additional research on identifying risk factors predictive of low back pain (LBP) is necessary before additional interventions can be developed. In the current study we assembled a large military cohort that was initially free of LBP and followed over 2 years. The purposes of this study were to identify baseline variables from demographic, socioeconomic, general health, and psychological domains that were predictive of a) occurrence; b) time; and c) severity for first episode of self-reported LBP. Baseline and outcome measures were collected via web-based surveillance system or phone to capture monthly information over 2 years. The assembled cohort consisted of 1230 Soldiers who provided self-report data with 518 (42.1%) reporting at least one episode of LBP over 2 years. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, active duty status, mental and physical health scores were significant predictors of LBP. Cox regression revealed that the time to first episode of LBP was significantly shorter for Soldiers that were female, active duty, reported previous injury, and had increased BMI. Multivariate linear regression analysis investigated severity of the first episode by identifying baseline predictors of pain intensity, disability, and psychological distress. Education level and physical fitness were consistent predictors of pain intensity, while gender, smoking status, and previous injury status were predictors of disability. Gender, smoking status, physical health scores, and beliefs of back pain were consistent predictors of psychological distress. These results provide additional data to confirm the multi-factorial nature of LBP and suggest future preventative interventions focus on multi-modal approaches that target modifiable risk factors specific to the population of interest.

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Published In

PLoS One

DOI

EISSN

1932-6203

Publication Date

2012

Volume

7

Issue

2

Start / End Page

e30597

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pain Measurement
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Military Personnel
  • Male
 

Citation

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George, S. Z., Childs, J. D., Teyhen, D. S., Wu, S. S., Wright, A. C., Dugan, J. L., & Robinson, M. E. (2012). Predictors of occurrence and severity of first time low back pain episodes: findings from a military inception cohort. PLoS One, 7(2), e30597. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0030597
George, Steven Z., John D. Childs, Deydre S. Teyhen, Samuel S. Wu, Alison C. Wright, Jessica L. Dugan, and Michael E. Robinson. “Predictors of occurrence and severity of first time low back pain episodes: findings from a military inception cohort.PLoS One 7, no. 2 (2012): e30597. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0030597.
George SZ, Childs JD, Teyhen DS, Wu SS, Wright AC, Dugan JL, et al. Predictors of occurrence and severity of first time low back pain episodes: findings from a military inception cohort. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e30597.
George, Steven Z., et al. “Predictors of occurrence and severity of first time low back pain episodes: findings from a military inception cohort.PLoS One, vol. 7, no. 2, 2012, p. e30597. Pubmed, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0030597.
George SZ, Childs JD, Teyhen DS, Wu SS, Wright AC, Dugan JL, Robinson ME. Predictors of occurrence and severity of first time low back pain episodes: findings from a military inception cohort. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e30597.

Published In

PLoS One

DOI

EISSN

1932-6203

Publication Date

2012

Volume

7

Issue

2

Start / End Page

e30597

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Young Adult
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pain Measurement
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Military Personnel
  • Male