# PREMORBID RISK FACTORS FOR BACK DISORDERS VS ABSENTEEISM

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 1990 · $176,685

## Abstract

The primary objective is to better define industrial back problems and
long-term disability, particularly in relation to other industrially
related musculoskeletal problems, illnesses, and absenteeism. This will be
done by building upon our past research efforts, which have led to the
identification of risk factors for industrial back disorders. As a result
of the current study, a large, comprehensive database is available, which
contains a variety of premorbid individual physical, psychosocial,
demographic, and workplace variables pertaining to 3,020 subjects.

Over the three-year extension we propose to conduct additional analyses
identifying predictors of long-term back pain disability.  We will also
collect data on other musculoskeletal disorders, illnesses, and absenteeism
occurring in the same study population over the same follow up period. July
of 1982 through March 1988, during which back pain reports were recorded.
Through analysis of this additional data we will have the rare opportunity
to identify similarities and differences between variables specific for
predicting acute back pain reports and 1) chronic back pain disability of
three months or more; 2) other (nonback) industrially related
musculoskeletal problems: 3) industrially related medical illnesses; and 4)
general absenteeism. Considering that nonphysical factors were found to be
the strongest predictors of back pain reports, one hypothesis to be tested
is that similar risk factors may persist in the case of other industrially
related health problems and general absenteeism.

The proposed extension will yield a much clearer understanding of
industrial back  problems, providing a solid foundation for establishing
appropriate programs to prevent chronic back pain disability, enhancing
return to work, and reducing the impact of back pain on the industrialized
nations of the world. The study results will also potentially impact
prevention and care strategies for dealing more effectively with other
industrial health issues.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3158175
- **Project number:** 5R01AR037507-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HD1WMN6945W6
- **Principal Investigator:** STANLEY J BIGOS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1990
- **Award amount:** $176,685
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1986-08-01 → 1992-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3158175

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3158175, PREMORBID RISK FACTORS FOR BACK DISORDERS VS ABSENTEEISM (5R01AR037507-04). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-24 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3158175. Licensed CC0.

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