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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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01-07-2020 | Bronchial Asthma | Original Article

Assessing the health impact of interventions for baker’s allergy and asthma in supermarket bakeries: a group randomised trial

Authors: F. M. Al Badri, R. Baatjies, Mohamed F. Jeebhay

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2020

Abstract

Purpose

To assess the impact of an intervention for baker’s allergy and asthma in supermarket bakeries.

Methods

A group randomised trial conducted in 31 bakeries (n = 337 bakers) that were randomly assigned to one of two intervention groups (n = 244 bakers) and a control group (n = 93 bakers). Health data collected prior to and 1-year after the intervention included information obtained from an ECRHS questionnaire; tests for atopy and serum-specific IgE to cereal flours; fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Data from the two intervention groups were combined to form one intervention group for purposes of the statistical analysis.

Results

At 1 year of follow-up, the incidence and level of decline of work-related ocular–nasal and chest symptoms, sensitisation status and elevated FeNO (FeNO > 25 ppb) was similar in both intervention and control groups. The mean FeNO difference was also similar across both groups (2.2 ppb vs 1.7 ppb, p = 0.86). In those with FeNO > 25 ppb at baseline, the decline was greater in the intervention compared to control group (16.9 ppb vs 7.7 ppb, p = 0.24). Multivariate logistic regression models (adjusting for smoking, baseline sensitisation to cereal flour, baseline FeNO > 25 ppb) did not demonstrate an appreciable FeNO decline (≥ 10%) in the intervention compared to control group. However, stratification by the presence of work-related ocular–nasal symptoms in bakers at baseline demonstrated a significant FeNO decline (≥ 10%) in the intervention compared to the control group (OR 3.73, CI 1.22–11.42).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates some evidence of an intervention effect on FeNO 1 year after an intervention, particularly in bakers with work-related ocular–nasal symptoms.

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Title: Assessing the health impact of interventions for baker’s allergy and asthma in supermarket bakeries: a group randomised trial
Authors: F. M. Al Badri
R. Baatjies
Mohamed F. Jeebhay
Publication date: 01-07-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keyword: Bronchial Asthma
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2020
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01511-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Assessing the health impact of interventions for baker’s allergy and asthma in supermarket bakeries: a group randomised trial

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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