Article

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.

Langue : ANGLAIS