Results The index ‘depression and maladaptive cognitions’ was found to be a significant baseline predictor for
persistent LBP up to 6 months (OR 5.1; 95% CI: 1.04–25.1). Overall predictive accuracy of the model
was 81%.
Conclusions In this study of patients with acute LBP in a primary care setting psychological factors at baseline
correlated with a progression to persistent LBP up to 6 months. The benefit of including factors such
as ‘depression and maladaptive cognition’ in screening tools is that these factors can be addressed in
primary and secondary prevention.