Delayed return-to-work in workers after non-severe occupational upper extremity fracture in Taiwan.
OBJECTIVE
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 are 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% CI, 0.17-0.63). Male workers (OR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.16-6.25) and those with financial help from their employer (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Du
Chung-Li
CL
Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
Lai
Ching-Fan
CF
Wang
Jung-Der
JD
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000328:Adult; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D005378:Financial Support; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D013624:Taiwan / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000293:injuries*