Multivariate Analysis of Risk Factors Predisposing to Kinesiophobia in Persons With Chronic Low Back and Neck Pain

The purpose of this study was to analyze the interaction between kinesiophobia and pain-related variables classified according to International Classification of Functioning in individuals with chronic neck and low back pain by using multivariate analysis. The 504 persons with chronic neck and low back pain filled out questionnaires assessing impairments in body functions and structures, limitations in activities of daily living, participation, and personal factors. Univariate analyzes were performed to investigate whether there are differences between individuals with and without kinesiophobia or not. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether independent variables were statistically significant predictors. In the univariate analyses, the persons who had high-level kinesiophobia had a significantly lower level of education and had significantly higher scores for the Million Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and Nottingham Health Profile (P < .001). In the final logistic regression analysis, only educational level (P = .01), Million Visual Analogue Scale (P = .002) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (P = .008, P = .012) were retained significantly as the predictors of kinesiophobia. In this group of people with chronic neck and low back pain, educational level, low back pain-associated disability, and emotional states like depression and anxiety were associated with kinesiophobia.