Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON.
Can J Public Health. 2012 May 24;103(4):e303-8. doi: 10.1007/BF03404240.
Each year, approximately 31,000 Canadian injured worker claimants are certified to have permanent impairments associated with the initial workplace incident. Permanent impairments are characterized by ongoing pain, and limitations in physical function and activity participation--all predisposing factors to mental health problems. Here we examine the post-accident mental health status of a sample of Ontario injured workers with permanent impairments.
We analyze data from a cross-sectional telephone survey of 494 injured workers. Mental health status is examined using nine dichotomous diagnostic, symptomatic and functional mental health indicators identified by survey respondents as non-present, or having pre- or post-injury onset, and the CES-D. We describe the relationship of these indicators and work injury, demographic and socio-economic factors.
Post-injury onset mental health problems are elevated compared to pre-injury onset in seven of nine indicators. Diagnosed depression, medication abuse, inability to concentrate, and sleep problems are elevated compared to general Canadian population prevalence. Diagnosed depression is elevated compared to populations with pain and chronic health conditions. Higher education and pre-injury income are associated with lower depressive symptoms. Men and older individuals are less likely to report a diagnosis of depression. Older individuals are less likely to report concentration problems.
These data paint a troubling mental health picture among injured workers with permanent impairments. Implications for return-to-work and income recovery, health service access and rehabilitation within and outside the compensation system are discussed.
每年约有 31000 名加拿大受伤工人索赔人被认定为与初始工作场所事件相关的永久性损伤。永久性损伤的特征是持续疼痛，以及身体功能和活动参与受限——所有这些都是心理健康问题的诱发因素。在这里，我们研究了一组具有永久性损伤的安大略省受伤工人的事故后心理健康状况。
我们分析了一项针对 494 名受伤工人的横断面电话调查的数据。使用调查受访者确定的九个二分诊断、症状和功能性心理健康指标来检查心理健康状况，这些指标是非存在的，或具有损伤前或损伤后发作，并使用 CES-D。我们描述了这些指标与工作伤害、人口统计学和社会经济因素的关系。
与损伤前发作相比，损伤后发作的心理健康问题在九个指标中的七个中升高。与一般加拿大人口的流行率相比，诊断为抑郁症、药物滥用、无法集中注意力和睡眠问题升高。与有疼痛和慢性健康状况的人群相比，诊断为抑郁症的比例较高。较高的教育程度和损伤前的收入与较低的抑郁症状相关。男性和年龄较大的个体不太可能报告患有抑郁症。年龄较大的个体不太可能报告注意力集中问题。
这些数据描绘了永久性损伤的受伤工人中令人不安的心理健康状况。讨论了重返工作岗位和收入恢复、健康服务获取以及补偿系统内外的康复的影响。
