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Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health 5/2019

01-07-2019 | Bronchial Asthma | Original Article

Work-related stress and incident asthma and rhinitis: results from the SOLAR study

Authors: Felix Forster, Tobias Weinmann, Jessica Gerlich, Wolff Schlotz, Gudrun Weinmayr, Jon Genuneit, Doris Windstetter, Christian Vogelberg, Erika von Mutius, Dennis Nowak, Katja Radon

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 5/2019

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Abstract

Objectives

This study analyzes the association of work-related stress with incident asthma and rhinitis in young adults with a special focus on gender-specific differences.

Methods

Incident asthma, wheezing and rhinitis were measured in a cohort of 2051 young German adults (aged 16–18 years at baseline) recruited by the prospective population-based SOLAR study (Study of Occupational Allergy Risks). Work-related stress was measured by the Trier Inventory for the Assessment of Chronic Stress (TICS). Two TICS scales, work overload and work discontent, were analysed. Logistic regression was conducted to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In females, the odds for incident asthma were found to be 17% higher for each increase of the work discontent score by one point (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.04–1.31). In males, no association was statistically significant. Incident rhinitis showed no association with any exposure variable.

Conclusion

This study shows a link between work-related stress and incident asthma which seems to be confined to women. This study adds evidence about the association of work-related stress and asthma in young adults and can contribute to prevention for that particular age group.
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Metadata
Title
Work-related stress and incident asthma and rhinitis: results from the SOLAR study
Authors
Felix Forster
Tobias Weinmann
Jessica Gerlich
Wolff Schlotz
Gudrun Weinmayr
Jon Genuneit
Doris Windstetter
Christian Vogelberg
Erika von Mutius
Dennis Nowak
Katja Radon
Publication date
01-07-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 5/2019
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-019-01402-x

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