ABSTRACT
Objective:
to compare the health status of traffic accident victims, at hospital discharge and after six months, and to analyze the predictive variables of their health status and return to work.
Method:
observational, longitudinal study. Data were collected through interviews and medical records of 102 patients with a mean age of 33 years; with the majority being men and victims of motorcycle accidents. The variables were analyzed by means of validated tools, student's t-test, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression.
Results:
there was an improvement of perception in the patients' health status six months after hospital discharge and functional capacity. The individuals who returned to work showed better health-related quality of life evaluation.
Conclusion:
improvement of the perceived health status six months after hospital discharge was found. Factors that influenced the patients' return to work were not identified.
Descriptors:
Traffic Accidents; Quality of Life; Rehabilitation; Work; Trauma