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

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Abstract
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.

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