Publication
Title
Predictors of respiratory sickness absence : an international population-based study
Author
Abstract
Background Respiratory tract-related occupational disability is common among adults of working age. We examined occupational vapors, gas, dust, or fume (VGDF) exposure as a predictor of disability, based on respiratory sickness absence among the actively employed, at an early point at which prevention may be most relevant. Methods Currently employed European Community Respiratory Health Survey II participants (n=6,988) were classified into three mutually exclusive, condition/symptom-based categories: physician-diagnosed asthma, self-reported rhinitis, and wheeze/breathlessness (n=4,772). Logistic regression analysis estimated the odds of respiratory sickness absence (past 12 months) by VGDF exposure. Results In the condition/symptom groups, 327 (6.9%) reported respiratory sickness absence. Exposure to VGDF was associated with increased odds of respiratory sickness absence: asthma odds ratio [OR] 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13.6), wheeze/breathlessness OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.014.8); rhinitis OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.023.4). Conclusion One in 15 currently employed with asthma, breathlessness, or rhinitis reported respiratory sickness absence. VGDF exposure doubled the odds of respiratory sickness absence, suggesting a focus for disability prevention. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:541549, 2013. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Language
English
Source (journal)
American journal of industrial medicine. - New York, N.Y.
Publication
New York, N.Y. : 2013
ISSN
0271-3586
DOI
10.1002/AJIM.22178
Volume/pages
56 :5 (2013) , p. 541-549
ISI
000317684400006
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Web of Science
Record
Identifier
Creation 07.06.2013
Last edited 09.10.2023
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