Determinants of satisfaction with individual health in male and female patients with chronic low back pain

Abstract

Objective: To examine health satisfaction and its predictors in subjects with and without chronic low back pain. Subjects: Data for subjects aged 15?64 years were sourced from an Austrian representative population-based nationwide survey including 6,194 men and 6,183 women. Methods: Health satisfaction and its determinants were assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF). Results: Prevalence of chronic low back pain was 8. 0% (range 7. 6?8. 3%; 95% confidence interval (CI)) in men and 8. 8% (range 8. 5?9. 2%) in women. The proportion of men, with and without chronic low back pain, who were dissatisfied with their health was 22. 5% and 5. 7% (p < 0. 001), respectively, and in women 28. 3% and 5. 4% (p < 0. 001), respectively. In subjects with chronic low back pain a multi-variate analysis revealed ?not needing medical treatment to function in daily life? with odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) of 6. 3 (2. 6?15. 3) and 4. 2 (2. 1?8. 5) as the strongest predictor for health satisfaction in men and women, respectively. In men additionally ?satisfaction with one?s sex life? and ?satisfaction with work capacity?, OR: 6. 6 (2. 9?14. 8) and 3. 7 (1. 5?9. 3)were predictors for health satisfaction. In women, however ?satisfaction with living conditions? OR: 3. 7 (1. 7?7. 9) was an additional predictor. Conclusion: Important determinants for health satisfaction are aspects of life such as independence and managing daily activities. These aspects can be influenced by existing therapy options.