Association between quality of life and low back pain in white-collar and blue collar-workers: a cross-sectional study

Background Low back pain is a common condition reported by white- and blue-collar workers. It is unknown whether quality of life (QoL) is associated with low back pain among these occupational groups, and whether moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) influences this association. Methods The sample consisted of 263 participants, including 99 blue-collar workers (37.6%). Low back pain, QoL, and socioeconomic status (SES) were assessed using questionnaires, while MVPA was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Associations between QoL and low back pain among white- and blue-collar workers were examined using logistic regression models adjusted for gender, age, SES, and MVPA. Results The prevalence of low back pain was 34.3% and 25.2% in blue- and white-collar workers. Among blue-collar workers, higher scores in the QoL domains of functional capacity (OR = 0.97; 95% CI 0.94–0.99) and social aspects (OR = 0.96; 95% CI 0.94–0.98) were associated with lower odds of low back pain. No associations were observed between low back pain and QoL domains in white-collar workers. MVPA did not modify the observed associations. Conclusion Higher QoL scores were associated with lower odds of low back pain among blue-collar workers, independent of sociodemographic factors and MVPA. Future strategies to prevent low back pain and improve QoL may need to consider occupational class, particularly among blue-collar workers.