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Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research

Correlates of employment status in individuals with asthma: a cross-sectional survey

Authors: Saara Taponen, Lauri Lehtimäki, Kirsi Karvala, Ritva Luukkonen, Jukka Uitti

Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

This study aims to elucidate factors that among adults with asthma are associated with working full-time.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey of 2613 working-age adults with asthma included questions on asthma history, symptoms and use of asthma medication, socioeconomic factors and health behavior. Full-time workers were compared to groups according to employment status: unemployed, work disability and retired due to age.

Results

Adults with asthma working full time were younger and more often nonmanual workers, experienced less asthma symptoms, used less asthma medication and smoked less than subjects with work disability. After adjusting for age, gender, smoking and professional status, having frequent symptoms of asthma during last month was associated with an increase in the risk of unemployment (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.3–4.2) and with an increase in the risk of work disability (OR 4.4, 95% CI 2.3–8.2).

Conclusions

Among adults with asthma, full-time work was associated with younger age, less symptomatic asthma despite of less medication, nonmanual work and less smoking. Having more severe symptoms of asthma was associated with undesirable employment status such as unemployment or work disability. Possibilities to change from manual to nonmanual work may be important in preventing work disability and early exit from work.

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Title: Correlates of employment status in individuals with asthma: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Saara Taponen
Lauri Lehtimäki
Kirsi Karvala
Ritva Luukkonen
Jukka Uitti
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Journal of Occupational Medicine and Toxicology / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6673
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12995-017-0165-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Correlates of employment status in individuals with asthma: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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