Full Citation

Title: Reducing the prevalence of low-back pain by reducing the prevalence of psychological distress: Evidence from a natural experiment and implications for health care providers

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2020

ISBN:

ISSN: 1475-6773

DOI: 10.1111/1475-6773.13557

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID:

Abstract: Objective: To determine whether exogenously reduced psychological distress reduces reported low-back pain (LBP) and is associated with reduced medical visits for LBP. Data Sources: National Health Interview Survey, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey, 1998-2004. Study Design: We estimate a fuzzy regression discontinuity model in which a discontinuity in the prevalence of psychological distress is identified by exogenous national events. We examine whether this discontinuity induced a corresponding discontinuity in the prevalence of LBP. We additionally estimate a regression discontinuity model to determine associated changes in medical visits with LBP as the primary complaint. Principal Findings: The prevalence of LBP was discontinuously reduced by one-fifth due to the exogenous national discontinuous reduction in psychological distress. This discontinuity in LBP cannot be explained by discontinuities in employment, insurance, injuries/poisoning, general health status, or other factors. We find an associated three-fifth discontinuous reduction in medical visits with LBP as the primary complaint. Conclusions: On a monthly basis, 2.1 million (P <.01) adults ceased to suffer LBP due to the national reduction in psychological distress, and associated medical visits with LBP as the primary complaint declined by 685 000 (P <.01).

Url: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1475-6773.13557

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Authors: Brown, Timothy T.; Ahn, Christie; Huang, Haoyue; Ibrahim, Zaidat

Periodical (Full): Health Services Research

Issue: 5

Volume: 55

Pages: 631-641

Data Collections: IPUMS Health Surveys - NHIS

Topics: Health, Population Health and Health Systems

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