Associations between cognitive and personality traits and work productivity loss in desk workers with low back pain: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the associations between cognitive and personality traits and work productivity loss among desk workers with low back pain (LBP).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,223 corporate employees in Japan. Participants completed an online questionnaire assessing work productivity (quantity-quality method), pain intensity (numerical rating scale), disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire), beliefs about LBP (Back Beliefs Questionnaire), and personality traits (Ten Item Personality Inventory). Multiple linear regression analysis examined factors associated with productivity loss. To confirm robustness, a sensitivity analysis was performed limited to participants who identified LBP as the primary cause of their productivity loss.

RESULTS

Among the participants, 1,201 (54.0%) reported LBP. Regression analysis indicated that beliefs about LBP (β=-0.40, p=0.011), conscientiousness (β=-0.99, p=0.006), neuroticism (β=1.02, p=0.007), and age (β=-0.18, p=0.002) were significantly associated with work productivity loss. Pain intensity (p=0.139) and functional disability (p=0.574) were not significantly associated with productivity loss. These findings were consistent in the sensitivity analysis, where pain intensity remained unrelated to productivity loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological and cognitive factors, particularly beliefs about LBP and personality traits, may have a stronger impact on work productivity than physical symptoms among desk workers. Interventions focusing on cognitive restructuring and personality-tailored strategies are necessary to mitigate productivity losses.