Do different types of financial support after illness or injury affect socio-economic outcomes? A natural experiment in New Zealand.

摘要: Abstract Background In New Zealand, people unable to work due an illness may be eligible for a means-tested benefit whereas injured are wide range of support including earnings-related compensation through the no-fault Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC). The effect this difference on socio-economic outcomes has not been investigated before. Methods A comparative cohort study was undertaken stroke versus injury. Individuals aged 18–64, who had first-stroke ( n  = 109) were matched by age, sex and functional impairment with individuals  = 429) participating in Prospective Outcomes Injury Study. Data collected interview 3.5 12 months after or Logistic regression adjusting matching variables at months, undertaken. Results Median personal income declined 60% over Stroke Group compared 13% decline Group. Decline greater those both groups higher initially, returned work. proportion reporting ‘Fairly low/low’ standard living increased from 8% 28% ‘Just/not enough’ 35% 61% only 5% 12% 33%–44% respectively. odds low inadequacy significantly less Despite (80% income), being back (Adjusted Odds Ratio 3.1; 95% CI 1.7–5.6). Conclusions These findings conclusions that rehabilitative support, available via ACC, largely prevents downward spiral into poverty ill health. It also appears enhance return though residual confounding cannot ruled out.