Occupational Diseases among Workers in Lower and Higher Socioeconomic Positions

Henk F van der Molen, Sanne de Vries, Judith K Sluiter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

12 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: To determine differences between workers in lower and higher socioeconomic positions (SEP) in incidences of occupational disease (OD) and incapacity for work due to ODs. Methods: From a Dutch dynamic prospective cohort of occupational physicians (OPs), ODs assessed by OPs were retrieved for lower and higher SEP groups. Results: Among the lower SEP, musculoskeletal disorders, and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) comprised two-thirds of the OD diagnoses. Among the higher SEP, stress/burnout comprised 60% of the OD diagnoses. Temporary and permanent incapacity for work due to work-related lower back disorders and repetitive strain injuries differed significantly between workers in lower compared to higher SEP. Conclusions: Occupational diseases occur at a 2.7 higher incidence rate for workers in lower SEP compared with higher SEP. Incapacity for work varies between the type of OD and the level of SEP.

Original languageEnglish
JournalInternational journal of environmental research and public health
Volume15
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018

Keywords

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Status Disparities
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Netherlands/epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases/epidemiology
  • Occupational Health/statistics & numerical data
  • Prospective Studies
  • Socioeconomic Factors

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