Ryutaro Matsugaki1, Keiji Muramatsu, Seiichiro Tateishi, Tomohisa Nagata, Mayumi Tsuji, Ayako Hino, Kazunori Ikegami, Yoshihisa Fujino, Shinya Matsuda. 1. Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health (Dr Matsugaki, Dr Muramatsu, Dr Matsuda); Department of Occupational Medicine (Dr Tateishi); Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management (Dr Nagata); Department of Environmental Health (Dr Tsuji), School of Medicine; Department of Mental Health (Dr Hino); Department of Work Systems and Health (Dr Ikegami); Department of Environmental Epidemiology (Dr Fujino), Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the relationship between telecommuting environment and low back pain (LBP) among desk-based workers in Japan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 3663 desk-based, telecommuting workers. LBP was assessed using a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. The telecommuting environment was evaluated using subjective questions. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate this association. RESULTS: The results of mixed-effects logistic model revealed that not having a place or room to concentrate on work, desk not well-lit enough for work, lack of space on the desk to work, not having enough legroom, and uncomfortable temperature and humidity conditions in the workspace were significantly associated with higher odds of LBP. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that telecommuting environment is associated with the prevalence of LBP.
OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the relationship between telecommuting environment and low back pain (LBP) among desk-based workers in Japan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 3663 desk-based, telecommuting workers. LBP was assessed using a 0 to 10 numerical rating scale. The telecommuting environment was evaluated using subjective questions. Mixed-effects logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate this association. RESULTS: The results of mixed-effects logistic model revealed that not having a place or room to concentrate on work, desk not well-lit enough for work, lack of space on the desk to work, not having enough legroom, and uncomfortable temperature and humidity conditions in the workspace were significantly associated with higher odds of LBP. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that telecommuting environment is associated with the prevalence of LBP.