Trajectories of opioid use among patients with low back pain: Association to work absence.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a leading reason for opioid use and a closer examination of opioid use and productivity losses among these patients is needed. We identify opioid use trajectories using a group-based trajectory model (GBTM) and estimate productivity losses across the trajectories.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with LBP in Swedish specialty care between 2011 and 2015, between the ages of 20 and 60, were included. Two GBTMs were estimated on monthly opioid use (converted to oral morphine equivalents) during the two 12-month periods preceding and following diagnosis. Productivity losses were estimated using the human-capital approach.

Results

In total, 147,035 patients were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 43 years of age and 49% of the patients were

SUBMITTER: Hansen JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11610708 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature