Year: 2012
Type: book
Abstract: Asthma is a significant growing health problem of the working-age population and may start already in childhood or early adulthood. Therefore, despite current treatment options, asthma can potentially affect work ability, and occupational exposure to dust gases and fumes can influence asthma prognosis. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of asthma on work ability and the effect of occupational exposure on current asthma status in approximately 40-year-old men with asthma since youth. The current goal to extend careers makes this study highly relevant. We found that both men with mild asthma and men with relatively severe asthma in youth had diminished self-reported work ability, and decreased work life participation, compared with men without asthma in youth. Among the asthmatics currently smoking, lower educational level, a blue-collar occupation and current severe asthma had the strongest associations with decreased work ability. Exposure to irritants, based on Job Exposure Matrix, and selfreported occupational exposure to abnormal temperatures also associated with poorer work ability. Occupational health care professionals should pay attention and support the work ability of those with asthma since youth. This joint work of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and the Finnish Defence Forces was founded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund.
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
Funder: Työsuojelurahasto
OpenAlex ID: W2745014249