Clinical and Psychological Factors Associated With Return to Work Among United States Diplomats Who Sustained a Work-Related Injury While on Assignment in Havana, Cuba

J Occup Environ Med. 2022 Mar 1;64(3):212-217. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002450.

Abstract

Objective: To determine factors associated with return to work in US diplomats injured during a work assignment in Cuba.

Methods: In this case series work ability was determined at each visit. Questionnaires used included the Symptom Score Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory, Quality-of-Life Inventory, and Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results: Of the 45 employees referred to Occupational Medicine, the mean age was 42.5 years, 60% were men, 68% were never out of work, 22% were out of work for some period, and 15% remain out of work. Vestibular, cognitive, hearing, sleep, and visual symptoms, and a higher initial symptom score were significantly associated with work inability while psychiatric symptoms were not.

Conclusions: This exposure resulted in prolonged illness with cognitive impairment and other clinical manifestations associated with work inability.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cuba
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / psychology
  • Female
  • Government Employees*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Occupational Injuries* / epidemiology
  • Return to Work
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology