[Reported occupational diseases. A 5-year follow-up study from the county of Ribe]

The present study sought to examine the health-related, work-related, social and economic consequences of occupational disorders. The survey included 503 patients and was undertaken approximately five years after the disease was notified to the Registry of Occupational Diseases (Danish Working Environment services). The response rate was 80% with women accounting for 56% of the responding group. The mean age was 39.5 years. More than half of all respondents were unskilled workers. White-collar workers and civil servants constituted 14%. Musculo-skeletal disorders were the most frequently diagnosed condition. Forty percent of the occupational diseases were reported in the year in which symptoms arose, while 21% of the patients had been symptomatic for more than six years before the disease was notified. The study indicates that many patients' occupational diseases caused them significant social and medical consequences. During their often protracted illnesses, patients underwent numerous medical examinations and additionally contacted several agencies other than health care providers. Economic consequences for the patient were considerable: reduced earning capacity and expenses were only partially offset by the workers' compensation system. The impact on the health care system was also considerable: occupational disease sufferers averaged one week of hospitalization and 18 visits to a general practitioner or specialist.