The majority of previous occupational studies focused on factors affecting life satisfaction among occupationally injured workers have been based on a cross-sectional design, not a sex-aggregated model. This study aimed to identify sex differences in factors related to life satisfaction among workers who experienced work-related injuries using nationally representative panel data from South Korea. Data from the first to fifth (2013-2017) waves of the Panel Study of Worker's Compensation Insurance were analyzed. Of 1514 respondents, those who participated in all five survey waves were included in the final study population. To assess the factors associated with general life satisfaction of the occupationally injured workers, a panel data analysis was conducted using generalized estimating equations. The impacts of education level, return to work, self-rated health, task performance, self-esteem, and self-efficacy were significant in both sexes. On the other hand, the influence of age, marital status, personal labor income, and National Basic Livelihood Act recipient status significantly varied by sex. There were sex differences in factors related to general life satisfaction among occupationally injured workers, highlighting the need for sex-specific intervention programs. Employers, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders need to pay attention to vulnerable groups and investigate the most appropriate financial support.
Keywords: Life satisfaction; injured workers; return to work; sex differences; worker’s compensation insurance.