Distribution of asthma by occupation: Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data, 2006-2009.
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| Title: | Distribution of asthma by occupation: Washington State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Data, 2006-2009. |
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| Authors: | Anderson, Naomi J. (AUTHOR), Fan, Zihong Joyce (AUTHOR), Reeb-Whitaker, Carolyn (AUTHOR), Bonauto, David K. (AUTHOR), Rauser, Edmund (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Asthma. Dec2014, Vol. 51 Issue 10, p1035-1042. 8p. 5 Charts, 1 Graph. |
| Subjects: | Asthma risk factors, Asthma treatment, Disease prevalence, Industrial hygiene, Lung diseases, Respondents |
| Abstract: | Objective: To estimate the prevalence of asthma in workers by occupation in Washington State. Methods: Data from the 2006-2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the BRFSS Asthma Call-Back Survey (ACBS) in Washington State (WA) were analyzed. Using state-added and coded Industry and Occupation questions, we calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) for 19 occupational groups. Results: Of the 41 935 respondents who were currently employed during 2006-2009, the prevalence of current asthma was 8.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8-8.5%] When compared with the reference group of executive, administration and managerial occupations, three occupational groups had significantly ( p < 0.05) higher PRs of current asthma: 'Teachers, all levels, and Counselors' (PR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1. 6%); 'Administrative Support, including Clerical' (PR 1. 5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9%); and 'Other Health Services' (PR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9). Half of the 2511 ACBS respondent workers (55.1%) indicated that they believed exposure at work had caused or worsened their asthma, but only 10.7% had ever spoken with a health care professional about their asthma being work related. Conclusions: Some occupations have a higher prevalence of current asthma than other occupations. The systematic collection of industry and occupation data can help identify worker populations with a high burden of asthma and can be used to target disease prevention efforts as well as to aid clinician recognition and treatment. Workers indicated that work-related asthma exposures are not discussed with their health care provider and this communication gap has implications for asthma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Objective: To estimate the prevalence of asthma in workers by occupation in Washington State. Methods: Data from the 2006-2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the BRFSS Asthma Call-Back Survey (ACBS) in Washington State (WA) were analyzed. Using state-added and coded Industry and Occupation questions, we calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) for 19 occupational groups. Results: Of the 41 935 respondents who were currently employed during 2006-2009, the prevalence of current asthma was 8.1% [95% confidence interval (CI) 7.8-8.5%] When compared with the reference group of executive, administration and managerial occupations, three occupational groups had significantly ( p < 0.05) higher PRs of current asthma: 'Teachers, all levels, and Counselors' (PR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1. 6%); 'Administrative Support, including Clerical' (PR 1. 5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9%); and 'Other Health Services' (PR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-1.9). Half of the 2511 ACBS respondent workers (55.1%) indicated that they believed exposure at work had caused or worsened their asthma, but only 10.7% had ever spoken with a health care professional about their asthma being work related. Conclusions: Some occupations have a higher prevalence of current asthma than other occupations. The systematic collection of industry and occupation data can help identify worker populations with a high burden of asthma and can be used to target disease prevention efforts as well as to aid clinician recognition and treatment. Workers indicated that work-related asthma exposures are not discussed with their health care provider and this communication gap has implications for asthma management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 02770903 |
| DOI: | 10.3109/02770903.2014.939282 |
