title: Mental health status of Ontario injured workers with permanent impairments.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Trent University, Peterborough, ON. fergalohagan@trentu.ca
authors.forename: Fergal T
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: O'Hagan
authors.forename: Peri J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Ballantyne
authors.forename: Pat
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vienneau
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors
keywords: injured workers; mental health; work injury: chronic illness