Depressive Symptoms Are Associated With Decreased Quality of Life and Work Ability in Currently Working Health Care Workers With Recurrent Low Back Pain.

OBJECTIVE:This study investigates the association between depressive symptoms and multisite pain and health-related quality of life and work ability in currently employed health care workers with recurrent low back pain (LBP). METHODS:Multisite pain, depressive symptoms, quality of life, and work ability were assessed by validated questionnaires. A generalized linear model was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS:Notably, 28% of female health care workers with LBP had at least moderate levels of depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with decreased health-related quality of life and work ability. Multisite pain was not significantly associated with work ability. CONCLUSIONS:Depressive symptoms are relatively common in female health care workers with LBP, and treatment of these symptoms may be crucial to improve their work ability.