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Impact of 9/11‐related chronic conditions and PTSD comorbidity on early retirement and job loss among World Trade Center disaster rescue and recovery workers

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The economic impact of the 9/11 terrorist attacks has rarely been studied. We examined the association between 9/11-related chronic health conditions with or without post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and one important aspect of the economic impact, retirement, and job loss before age 60. METHODS: A total of 7,662 workers who participated in the World Trade Center Health Registry surveys were studied. Logistic regression models examined the association of 9/11-related health and labor force exit. RESULTS: Workers with chronic conditions were more likely to experience early retirement and job loss, and the association was stronger in the presence of PTSD comorbidity: the odds ratios for reporting early retirement or job loss were increased considerably when chronic conditions were comorbid with PTSD. CONCLUSIONS: Disaster-related health burden directly impacts premature labor force exit and income. Future evaluation of disaster outcome should include its long-term impact on labor force. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:731-741, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Source: American Journal of Industrial Medicine

DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22640

Authors: Shengchao Yu, Robert M. Brackbill, Sean Locke, Steven D. Stellman, Lisa M. Gargano

Institutions: New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: Occupational Health and Performance

Subfield: Occupational Therapy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funders: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry