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 language | English |
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Journal | International journal of environmental research and public health |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 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