Development of Prediction Model for the Prognosis of Sick Leave Due to Low Back Pain.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to develop a prediction model for the prognosis of sick leave due to low back pain (LBP). METHODS This is a cohort study with 103 employees sick-listed due to non-specific LBP and spinal disc herniation. A prediction model was developed based on questionnaire data and registered sick leave data with follow up of 180 days. RESULTS At follow up 31 (30.1%) employees were still sick-listed due to LBP. Forward selection procedure resulted in a model with: catastrophizing, musculoskeletal work load, and disability. The explained variance was 27.3%, calibration was adequate and discrimination was fair with AUC = 0.761 [IQR: 0.755-0.770]. CONCLUSION The prediction model of this study can adequately predict LBP sick leave after 180 days and could be used for employees sick listed due LBP.