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Predictors of respiratory sickness absence: an international population-based study.

Kim, J.L., Blanc, P.D., Villani, S., Olivieri, M., Urrutia, I., Sprundel, M. van, Storaas, T., Moual, N. le, Zock, J.P., Torén, K. Predictors of respiratory sickness absence: an international population-based study. American Journal of Industrial Medicine: 2013, 56(5), p. 541-549.
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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] 1.1–3.6), wheeze/breathlessness OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.01–4.8); rhinitis OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.02–3.4). 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. (aut.ref.)