The role of attention deficit disorder in workplace accidents: An emergency department perspective

Abstract

Background:

Occupational accidents pose significant health risks, with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) potentially influencing accident rates and severities.

Objectives:

This study evaluates the impact of ADHD potential on workplace accidents in an emergency department (ED) setting.

Methods:

In this prospective, cross-sectional study, adult patients presenting with occupational accidents at a secondary care facility were assessed for ADHD potential using the ASRS v1.1 scale. Structured interviews collected demographic, occupational, and health behavior data, while the severity and likelihood of workplace accidents were evaluated using a 5 × 5 matrix.

Results:

Out of the 205 patients evaluated, 124 were categorized as ADHD-Unlikely and 81 as ADHD-Potential. The median age was comparable between the ADHD-Unlikely group and the ADHD-Potential group (p = 0.071). A notable difference was observed in marital status, where 50.6% of the ADHD-Potential group were single compared to 36.3% in the ADHD-Unlikely group (p = 0.042). The median duration of employment was 18 months for both groups, and the analysis of workplace accidents using a 5 × 5 matrix revealed a higher median severity in the ADHD-Unlikely group (3 [IQR 2–3]) versus the ADHD-Potential group (2 [IQR 2–3]) (p = 0.009). The likelihood of accidents did not significantly differ between the groups (p = 0.782).

Conclusion:

The study reveals no significant association between ADHD potential and the frequency of workplace accidents among emergency department patients, though a statistically significant difference was noted in the severity of accidents as per the 5 × 5 matrix, with the ADHD-Unlikely group reporting higher severity (p = 0.009).