Indicators of primary and recurrent disability due to occupational injuries in Kemerovo Territory — Kuzbass in dynamics for 2016–2023

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive rehabilitation and habilitation in Russia are undergoing a transformation stage, with a focus on the biopsychosocial approach that emphasizes planned rehabilitation activities and evaluation of outcomes. In Kuzbass, the incidence of occupational injuries leading to disability is higher than the national average, which requires studying the need for professional and social rehabilitation measures for those affected by work-related injuries.

AIM: To study the structure of primary and recurrent disability due to occupational injuries with regard to age and severity of disability groups in Kuzbass over an 8-year period (2016–2023).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on adults in Kuzbass who were newly or repeatedly recognized as disabled due to occupational injuries over 8 years (2016–2023). Quantitative data were analyzed using absolute values, percentages, and intensive indicators. The general trend in disability dynamics was identified using a moving average method, supplemented by statistical, analytical, and expert judgment techniques.

RESULTS: The total disability resulting from occupational injuries comprised 486 primary cases (25% individuals) and 1,466 recurrent cases (75% individuals). The average annual rate of primary disability in 2016–2023 was 61 individuals, while the rate of recurrent disability for this 8-year period averaged 183 individuals per year. Young adults and middle-aged individuals of working age prevailed in the structure of disability by age for the entire period of observation, and the majority was classified under disability Group III.

CONCLUSION: The prevalence of young adults and middle-aged individuals, as well as the disability Group III, allows for active planning and implementation of comprehensive rehabilitation measures to restore the professional and social status of those injured at work. Rehabilitation prognosis is usually favorable, and the potential is high.