Disparities in occupational injury hospitalization rates in five states (2003-2009)

Achievement of health equity and elimination of disparities are overarching goals of Healthy People 2020, yet there is a paucity of population-based data regarding race/ethnicity-based disparities in occupational injuries.

Hospital discharge data for five states (Arizona, California, Florida, New Jersey, and New York) were obtained from the Healthcare Cost & Utilization Project (HCUP) for 2003-2009. Age-adjusted rates and trends for work-related injury hospitalizations were calculated using negative binomial regression (reference category: non-Latino white).

Latinos were significantly more likely to have a work-related traumatic injury hospitalization. The disparity for Latinos was greatest for machinery-related hospitalizations. Latinos were also more likely to have a fall-related hospitalization. African-Americans were more likely to have an occupational assault-related hospitalization, but less likely to have a fall-related hospitalization.

We found evidence of substantial multistate disparities in occupational injury-related hospitalizations. Enhanced surveillance and further research are needed to identify and address underlying causes.