engleski

Psychiatric disorders among forestry workers claiming disability benefits

Aim. The aim of the study was to obtain more information on psychiatric disorders among forestry workers undergoing medical examination for disability pension and on the contribution of these disorders to the permanent impairment. Method. The subjects comprised 47 male forestry workers claiming disability benefits who were sent for psychiatric examination to our occupational medicine clinic. The semistructured psychiatric interview was performed. Diagnostic criteria used were those from the ICD 10 classification. All subjects have been working as forestry workers from 11-28 years. Their average age was 48.54 years; STD 8.61; min=29 y., max=62 y. Results. High rates of heavy alcohol dependence were observed (N=17; 36.17%); the rates for alcohol dependence in remission were lower (N=3; 6.38%). Among eight patients (47.06% of the first subgroup) the alcoholism has not been recognized on time or adequately treated. Chronic brain syndrome was also frequent (N=15; 31.92%). Considerable number of workers suffered at least one head injury leading to the loss of consciousness (N=10; 21.28%). All these injuries were work related. Depression was noted in six patients (12.77%) and stress related disorders in 3 patients (6.38%). Conclusions. Alcohol dependence (and its complications) was the most important single factor leading to the permanent impairment in this group. Determination of the relative importance of various factors known to contribute to the chronic brain syndrome (heavy alcohol consumption, head injuries etc) sometimes may present difficulties. A study examining the possible role of other factors which might contribute to the chronic brain syndrome among forestry workers (transmissible agents, toxic factors) would surely be warranted. There is certainly need for improving both the quality of medical care offered to these workers and the overall safety of forestry work in Croatia.

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