Characteristics of work aggravated asthma in the United Kingdom (UK)

Details

• Personal Author:
  Bradshaw L ; Fishwick D ; Henneberger, Paul K. ; Sumner J
• Description:
  Rationale: Work aggravated asthma (WAA) is defined as pre-existing or concurrent asthma that is worsened by workplace conditions; this includes workers previously diagnosed with occupational asthma who have moved to a new workplace where current irritant exposures may aggravate their asthma. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of WAA in the UK. Methods: A postal questionnaire was used to collect cross-sectional data from individuals aged >18 years old with a diagnosis of asthma. Study participants were recruited from 3 sources; primary care (n=1400); secondary care (n=151) and third sector sources (n=79). 1630 postal questionnaires were sent to potential subjects. Non-responders were sent a reminder letter and further questionnaire 4 weeks after the original mail out. Workers were asked whether their asthma was the same better or worse at work; WAA was determined if individuals stated worse. Data analyses were conducted using SPSS for windows. Results: There was a 14% response rate (n=234). 66% were female, 9% were current smokers, 69% were currently employed and 96% had a diagnosis of asthma. Of the 136 respondents with a diagnosis of asthma and current employment, the prevalence of WAA symptoms was 34%. Comparing those with and without WAA symptoms 83% vs 18% used more asthma medication on work days; 62% vs 46% were exposed to fumes, gases and dusts at work; 37% vs 12% had left a previous job because of breathing problems and 91% vs 70% felt stressed at work. 65% vs 31% were on step 3-5 of the BTS Guidelines. Wellbeing at work was measured using a 10-point Likert scale, and there was a high incidence of poor wellbeing in the WAA group (wellbeing score <=6) with 68% vs 42% in the non-WAA group. Those with WAA symptoms had higher levels of presenteeism than those without (presenteeism being the practice of coming to work despite illness, often resulting in reduced productivity). Conclusion: The prevalence of WAA in this first UK based study was higher than the previous estimate of 21.5% reported by Henneberger (2011), but was in the range described in a recent review of 12 WAA studies of between 13% and 58% (Fishwick, 2014). The low response rate of 14% is a limitation to this study, however, WAA in the UK appears to be common and associated with reduced work productivity and requires further work to develop appropriate interventions designed to reduce its impact. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Aging Air Pollutants, Occupational Asthma Dust Environmental Exposure Men Occupational Health Respiratory System Respiratory Tract Diseases Safety Smokers Surveys And Questionnaires Women Workplace

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• Keywords:
  Age Groups Breathing Bronchial Asthma Dust Exposure Dusts Environmental Exposure Fumes Gases Humans Questionnaires Smoking Statistical Analysis Stress Work Environment Workers

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• ISSN:
  1073-449X
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Abstract or Summary
• Place as Subject:
  California ; OSHA Region 3 ; OSHA Region 9 ; West Virginia
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  RHD - Respiratory Health Division
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  193
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20048477
• Citation:
  Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2016 May; 193(Abstract Issue):A3706
• Email:
  lisa.bradshaw@hsl.gsi.gov.uk
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2016
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Source Full Name:
  American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
• Supplement:
  Abstract Issue
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:7f3e902b45e1a0abf91c8be5f9ecbf4de7c2fc8a7e3af31debbdd75e49c1eabb31a3a3a89ff4025f2f4fab91ae902d6f0216ef193a22aa0c1cf2657c075cbdec
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/203226/cdc_203226_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 311.25 KB ]