Return to work following injury: The role of economic, social, and job- related factors

Ellen J. MacKenzie, John A. Morris, Gregory J. Jurkovich, Yutaka Yasui, Brad M. Cushing, Andrew R. Burgess, Barbara J. DeLateur, Mark P. McAndrew, Marc F. Swiontkowski

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

261 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined factors influencing return to work (RTW) following severe fracture to a lower extremity. Methods. This prospective cohort study followed 312 individuals treated for a lower extremity fracture at 3 level-1 trauma centers. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the proportion of RTW were computed, and a Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the contribution of multiple risk factors on RTW. Results. Cumulative proportions of RTW at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-injury were 0.26, 0.49, 0.60, and 0.72. After accounting for the extent of impairment, characteristics of the patient that correlated with higher rates of RTW included younger age, higher education, higher income, the presence of strong social support, and employment in a white-collar job that was not physically demanding. Receipt of disability compensation had a strong negative effect on RTW. Conclusions. Despite relatively high rates of recovery, one quarter of persons with lower extremity fractures did not return to work by the end of 1 year. The analysis points to subgroups of individuals who are at high risk of delayed RTW, with implications for interventions at the patient, employer, and policy levels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1630-1637
Number of pages8
JournalAmerican journal of public health
Volume88
Issue number11
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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