Fear of COVID-19 Among Japanese Workers and Exacerbation of Chronic Pain: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between fear of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and exacerbated chronic pain among workers during the pandemic, as well as productivity loss.

METHODS

We collected data using Internet-based self-reported questionnaires, on fear of COVID-19, work productivity status, exacerbation of chronic pain during the pandemic, and several confounding factors.

RESULTS

The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a high level of fear of COVID-19 was associated with an increased exacerbation of chronic pain (adjusted odds ratio, 2.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.21-4.44). Meanwhile, the presence of fear of COVID-19 and exacerbated chronic pain were associated with productivity impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.44-2.85).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that workers' fear of COVID-19 is correlated with exacerbated chronic pain and risk of presenteeism.