Implications for practice
Findings from this study confirm the requirement for
measurement of occupational factors in screening tools for
patients at risk of developing persistent LBP. Predictors
easily identified with use of widely available screening
tools will facilitate the provision of necessary treatment to
reduce the societal and financial burden of persistent LBP
and avoid major loss in enjoyment of life. The benefit of
including modifiable risk factors such as a resigned attitude
towards the job and modifiable protective factors such as
social support at work in screening tools is that these
factors can be addressed in primary and secondary prevention,
for example, in workplace intervention.