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Objectives
In recent years, occupational injuries have sparked a huge social and political debate. Thus, in this study, we focused on the characteristics and trends of occupational injuries requiring hospitalization in South Korea.
Methods
The Korea National Hospital Discharge In-depth Injury Survey was designed to estimate the annual number and characteristics of all injury-related hospitalizations in South Korea. The annual number of hospitalizations due to occupational injuries and the age-standardized rates (ASRs) were estimated from 2006 to 2019. The annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC) of ASRs and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using joinpoint regression. All analyses were stratified by sex.
Results
In men, the APC of the ASRs of all-cause occupational injuries was -3.1% (95% CI, -4.5% to -1.7%) in 2006–2015. However, a non-significant upward trend was observed after 2015 (APC=3.3%; 95% CI, -1.6% to 8.5%). In women, the APC of all-cause occupational injuries was -8.6% (95% CI, -12.1% to -5.1%) in 2006–2012. However, a non-significant upward trend was observed after 2012 (APC=2.1%; 95% CI, -0.9% to 5.2%). A recent upward trend in stabbing injuries was observed after 2012 (APC=4.7%; 95% CI, -1.8% to 11.8%) in women. A non-significant overall increasing trend was also observed for occupational injuries caused by exposure to extreme temperatures (AAPC=3.7%; 95% CI, -1.1% to 8.7%) in women.
Conclusions
A recent upward trend in all-cause injury hospitalizations and hospitalizations caused by stabbing injuries was observed. Therefore, active policy interventions are required to prevent occupational injuries.