Year: 2017
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Due to the aging population and increasing labour participation of older individuals, many workers are at risk for fragility fractures. Evidence is required to determine where prevention efforts should be targeted. The objective of this thesis was to examine fragility fractures (or fractures resulting from same-level falls) that occur in the workplace with respect to the characteristics of the workers who sustain these fractures, and the circumstances leading to fracture. Methods included descriptive quantitative analyses and open card sorting with stakeholders to develop prevention recommendations. Phase I examined workersâ compensation data on same-level falls to compare fracture and non-fracture injuries among workers 20-80 years (Study-1). Subsequently, same-level fall fractures among workers 50-80 years were categorized as potential fragility fractures and other fractures, and compared (Study-2). Phase II used survey data on working fragility fracture patients 50 years and older to compare fragility fractures occurring at work and elsewhere (Study-3). Lastly, workplace fragility fractures were examined to develop prevention recommendations (Study-4). Many occupational sectors appear suitable targets for prevention, and tailoring may increase the appropriateness of an intervention. Based on fracture volumes, it may be prudent to focus on forearm fractures and workers aged 50-64 years for secondary fracture prevention initiatives. The workplace setting may provide opportunities to reach men. However, there is an overall lack of awareness among fragility fracture patients regarding their risk for fractures. Stakeholders recommended improving worker-environment interactions to limit exposure to potential fracture hazards, and increasing awareness of hazards, osteoporosis and fracture risk. These recommendations could be addressed by leveraging existing workplace slip, trip and fall prevention programs and employing a workplace-based chronic disease management program to prevent osteoporosis and fragility fractures. These findings could inform a future knowledge translation intervention to prevent workplace fragility fractures which may enhance the health and productivity of older workers.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Chamila Adhihetty
Language: English
Subfield: Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2739093048