Aims: The aim of this study was to document functional limitations and well being, as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the Short Form-36, over a three-month period, in a sample of occupationally-injured county workers. Methods: Subjects (n=79) were recruited during initial visits to an occupational health clinic. Telephone interviews were conducted one-week, two-weeks, one-month, and three-months following their injury. In addition to assessing functional limitations, family caregiving and other effects were also evaluated. Results: The average number of lost work days was 13.31 days (S.D.=17.52) with a mean of 5 days. The HAQ score (range 0-3) at Time 1 was 1.12 (S.D.=0.64), and scores decreased significantly each time (Time 4=0.35, S.D.=0.53). By contrast, mean scores in populations with rheumatic diseases range from a high of 1.34 (S.D., 0.02) for rheumatoid arthritis; to a low of 0.55 (S.D., 0.07) for systemic lupus. Scores on the eight subscales of the SF-36 were significantly lower than general population means, except for general health, during Time 1-3. At the end of 3-months, injured workers’ scores on physical functioning, physical role, and bodily pain still remained below reference values. In addition, 19% of the workers stated that they still wanted help with daily activities, and that caretakers missed social activities (14%) and felt more stress than usual (14%) as a result of their injury. Conclusion: Functional limitations and family disruption resulting from occupational injuries can continue for some time despite return to work.
Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant will be able to describe the Health Assessment Questionnaire and the SF-36 and their utility in occupational settings for measuring functional limitations in injured workers.
Keywords: Occupational Injury and Death,
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.