Long-term follow-up of work participation among New Zealand workers following injury: A 12-year national cohort study.

OBJECTIVES

This paper describes work participation trajectories 12-years following injury for a cohort of working age New Zealanders, identifying characteristics of membership of the trajectory groups.

METHODS

Participants, injured between 2007-2009, were recruited from New Zealand's universal entitlement Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme. Trajectories considering work participation at 2- and 12-years following injury were summarised using frequencies and percentages.

RESULTS

Four trajectories were defined: sustained participation (69%), sustained absence (2%), interrupted participation (12%) and exited workforce (16%). Compared to those with sustained participation, the strongest associations were with the interrupted participation group for trade/manual workers (aRR 1.20, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.30) and low-income workers (<$NZ 50,000 aRR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.32).

DISCUSSION: Early efforts to maintain sustained employment to 12 years following injury should also include sociodemographic, injury, health and work factors.