Risk Factors for Developing Concurrent Posttraumatic Stress Injury After Work-Related Musculoskeletal Injury: A Case-Control Study

J Occup Environ Med. 2022 Sep 1;64(9):e579-e584. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002621. Epub 2022 Jul 28.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to study risk factors for developing concurrent posttraumatic stress injury (PTSI) among workers experiencing work-related musculoskeletal injury (MSI).

Methods: A case-control study was conducted using workers' compensation data on injured workers undergoing rehabilitation programs for concurrent MSI and PTSI (cases) and MSI only (controls). A variety of measures known at the time of the compensable injury were entered into logistic regression models.

Results: Of the 1948 workers included, 215 had concurrent MSI and PTSI. Concurrent MSI and PTSI were predicted by type of accident (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 25.8), experiencing fracture or dislocation fracture or dislocation (adjusted OR, 3.7), being public safety personnel (adjusted OR, 3.1), and lower level of education (adjusted OR, 1.9).

Conclusions: Experiencing a concurrent PTSI diagnosis with MSI after work-related accident and injury appears related to occupation, type of accident, and educational background.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Case-Control Studies
  • Humans
  • Musculoskeletal Diseases*
  • Risk Factors
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology
  • Workers' Compensation