PREVALENCE AND FEAR AVOIDANCE BELIEFS WITH RESPECT TO LOW BACK PAIN AMONGST FRONT-LINE EMPLOYEES IN THE LONDON AMBULANCE SERVICE

Abstract

Purpose and background of the study The occupational health department for the London Ambulance Service (LAS) had numbers of employees reporting low back pain (LBP). The purpose of the study was to determine the lifetime, and point prevalence of LBP and to report the Fear Avoidance Beliefs of this study population within the LAS.

Summary of the methods used and the results The cross-sectional study involved 2448 Accident & Emergency (A& E) operational employees (Paramedics and Qualified Ambulance Technicians). A questionnaire with covering letter was posted to a randomly selected number of A& E staff (n=1000). The questionnaire included a validated version of the Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ).

The response rate was 50% (n= 504). 91% of the responding sample had a lifetime prevalence of LBP and also answered the modified FABQ questions. The mean of the activity fears scale was 4.18 (SD = 1.14) and the mean of the work fears was 4.91 (SD = 1.08), indicating that most respondents held very negative beliefs regarding LBP in relation to work and activities. Those who had experienced LBP reported more psychological problems on the GHQ.

Statement of conclusion The prevalence of low back pain amongst responding A& E staff is high compared to National surveys. This population also demonstrated very negative fear avoidance beliefs for LBP. Responses to the GHQ indicated the sample population to be just on the positive side of mid-point. The reporting of LBP was significantly associated with psychological problems.