The Association Between Perceived Stress and Low Back Pain Among Eldercare Workers in Japan

OBJECTIVE:We investigated the association between perceived stress and low back pain (LBP) among Japanese eldercare workers. METHODS:Self-reported questionnaires were completed regarding perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-14), presence of memorable LBP in the preceding month, and other relevant factors (age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, job demands, job control, and social support) among 954 eldercare workers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS:Data from 571 eldercare workers were analyzed. In the multivariate logistic regression model, higher perceived stress was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of memorable LBP (adjusted OR [95% CI] = 1.05 [1.02 to 1.08]). CONCLUSIONS:Higher perceived stress was independently associated with LBP among eldercare workers. Our study indicates the importance of considering perceived stress as one of the factors related to LBP.