CORRELATES OF BACK PROBLEMS AND BACK-RELATED DISABILITY IN THE UNITED-STATES

The purpose of this study is to identify correlates of back problems a nd back disability in the adult population of the United States. Cross -sectional analyses were performed using data from the 1989 National H ealth Interview Survey (NHIS). Weighted polytomous logistic regression modeling was performed to estimate odds ratios adjusted for the effec ts of covariates. The prevalence of a disabling back condition, vs. no back condition, was relatively higher among subjects aged 25-64 years , male, non-high school graduates, unemployed, living in the West, wit h disabling non-back morbidities, and with body mass index and weight above the 50th percentile. Among workers, those in technical, sales, c lerical, private household, service, precision production and repair, or transportation occupations were relatively more likely to report di sabling back conditions, com pared to workers in professional occupati ons. Among adults with back problems, age greater than 34 years, weigh t above the 50th percentile, and history of back trauma were associate d with chronic back disability. Although the magnitudes of the associa tions are not large, they may have enormous public health implications because of the high prevalence of back problems and related disabilit y. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Inc.