Work-aggravated asthma (WAA) is common among workers with asthma in Great Britain, a new study published in Primary Health Care Research & Development suggests.
Researchers sent out questionnaires to 3 groups of patients with asthma (primary care, n=1400; secondary care, n=151; Asthma UK; n=79). Data on demographics, current job, self-reported health status, asthma and respiratory symptoms along with their duration and severity and medication requirements were recorded. Additionally, information regarding health-related QoL (HR-QoL), work environment and employers’ actions was also gathered.
The overall response rate for the questionnaires was 12.7% (6% for primary care, 45% for secondary care and 71% for Asthma UK). The prevalence of WAA as reported by the respondents was 33% (95% CI, 24.4%-41.6%). 78% of respondents reporting aggravation at work said that their medication requirement on work days was more than that on rest days. Nearly one-fifth of patients (19.5%) reported changing their previous job as work had affected their breathing. HR-QoL measured using EuroQol-5D utility index was lower in those with work-related symptoms (mean, 0.74; standard deviation [SD], 0.22) vs those without (mean, 0.79; SD, 0.20). Individuals reporting WAA also reported greater levels of work-related stress.
"Our WAA estimate of 33% in Great Britain is in line with the international prevalence which is estimated to be 21% (range, 13%-58%)," the authors commented. They call for further research to understand the significant aggravants to asthma at work, which would help in developing appropriate interventions for workers with asthma.
