Low back pain and telecommuting in Japan: influence of work environment quality

Objectives This study examined the relationship between frequency of working from home and low back pain (LBP), considering the quality of work environment. Methods The study was based on a cross-sectional internet-based survey. Of 33,302 respondents, data from 12,774 desk workers were retained for analysis. We used a 0–10 numerical rating scale to assess LBP. Work environment was assessed using five subjective questions. Mixed-effects logistic regression nested by city level was used to analyze the relationship between frequency of working from home and LBP, stratified by work environment condition. Results The prevalence of LBP was 21.0%. Among those reporting a poor work environment, as opposed to almost never working from home, the multivariate odds ratio (OR) of LBP were as follows: working from home less than 1 day per week: OR=1.25, 95% CI: 0.89–1.76, p=0.190); 2-3 days per week: OR=1.58, 95% CI: 1.16–2.16, p=0.004; and 4 or more days per week: OR=1.82, 95% CI: 1.38–2.40, p<0.001. By contrast, among those reporting a good work environment the OR of LBP did not increase as the frequency of working from home increased. Conclusions The relationship between LBP and frequency of working from home was found to vary with the quality of the work environment; more specifically, LBP was associated with frequency of teleworking in a poor work environment. This study suggests that employers should give more support their employees in promoting a good work environment to prevent LBP. (Words: 240/250)