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DELAYED RETURN-TO-WORK IN WORKERS AFTER NON-SEVERE OCCUPATIONAL UPPER EXTREMITY FRACTURE IN TAIWAN
Resource
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION v.106 n.11 pp.887-893
Journal
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Journal Volume
v.106
Journal Issue
n.11
Pages
887-893
Date Issued
2007
Date
2007
Author(s)
Du, Chung-Li
Abstract
Background/Purpose: Occupational injury of the upper
extremities account for 24% of occupational injuries in
Taiwan. However, studies on the timing and factors
influencing return-to-work is lacking. Methods: A total of
102 hospitalized workers with non-severe upper extremity
fractures, defined as without avulsion, amputation and nerve
damage, were interviewed over the telephone using a
structured questionnaire at 45, 90 and 180 days after injury
. Results: After controlling other factors, cases with other
-than-digit fracture presented three-fold more difficulty
than those with digit fracture on returning to work (OR, 0.
32; 95% Cl, 0.17-0.63). Mate workers (OR, 2.701- 95% Cl, 1.
16-6.25) and those with financial help from their employer (
OR, 2.32; 95% Cl, 1.17-4.60) found it easier to return to
work 90 days after injury. There were 32% who were still
unable to return to work 180 days after injury. Conclusion:
Women workers and workers without financial help from
employers are at a disadvantage with regard to early return-
to-work. Other assistance besides medical treatment could
be of significant help but should be cautiously exercised in
extrapolating to workers who are not the main breadwinner
in their household.
extremities account for 24% of occupational injuries in
Taiwan. However, studies on the timing and factors
influencing return-to-work is lacking. Methods: A total of
102 hospitalized workers with non-severe upper extremity
fractures, defined as without avulsion, amputation and nerve
damage, were interviewed over the telephone using a
structured questionnaire at 45, 90 and 180 days after injury
. Results: After controlling other factors, cases with other
-than-digit fracture presented three-fold more difficulty
than those with digit fracture on returning to work (OR, 0.
32; 95% Cl, 0.17-0.63). Mate workers (OR, 2.701- 95% Cl, 1.
16-6.25) and those with financial help from their employer (
OR, 2.32; 95% Cl, 1.17-4.60) found it easier to return to
work 90 days after injury. There were 32% who were still
unable to return to work 180 days after injury. Conclusion:
Women workers and workers without financial help from
employers are at a disadvantage with regard to early return-
to-work. Other assistance besides medical treatment could
be of significant help but should be cautiously exercised in
extrapolating to workers who are not the main breadwinner
in their household.
Subjects
employer
occupational injury
return to work
upper extremity fracture
Type
journal article