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theses

This study analyzed 10 different types injuries and illnesses. Specifically, amputation of finger, burns 3rd degree of the hand, falls on same level, fracture of upper limbs, heat stress, laceration of the upper limbs, machine accidents, overexertion, sprains/strains, and struck by or against an object. The objective of the study is to discover if age, race, or gender factor in the hospitalization outcomes of the aforementioned injuries and illnesses. An additional objective is to explore whether region, day of incident (weekday or weekend), length of stay, social economics, and total medical charges in the presence of these specific work-related injuries and illnesses are impacting factors.

Data was available by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) sponsored by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research1. The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data in years 2007 through 2011 was assessed and downloaded from HCUP. A total of over 15 million patients aged 18-64 and who did not die when admitted to the hospital in the United States between years 2007 through 2011 (5 years). The data provided patient demographics such as: age, gender, race, insurance type, and income. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 was serviced to analyze the data of the study, and all outcomes with a p-value less than 0.05 were found to be significant. Frequencies and multiple linear regression were the appropriate statistical tests to determine the predictors of the study outcomes.

White older aged males (31 to 64 years) have the highest frequency of injury and illness. The 76th to 100th percentile income level had the highest frequency of injury and illness. Majority of injuries and illnesses occurred in the South region. The regression model discovered that indicator of sex is they key variable in the amount of time spent in the hospital and the total amount of hospital charges. Falls from same level injury, had 70,226 patients, which is 49% of the total population of all 10 injuries and illnesses investigated. In addition, older aged White females (31 to 64 years) were the highest frequency of patients for falls from same level.

Older White males in the 76th to 100th percentile income have the highest risk of injury and illness in the workplace. Preventative measures should improve work-related injuries and illnesses; especially for older ages, provide knowledge through specific training to prevent complacency and help workers to be more aware of risks associated with their age, gender, income, and job duties.

ETD_11068

Ph.D.

Includes bibliographical references

doi:10.7282/t3-9vh0-rh72

ETD doctoral

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