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Work dynamics of adults with asthma
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco 94143-0920, USA. yelin2@itsa.ucsf.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|April 23, 1999
Summary
Asthma generally does not impede employment for most adults. However, individuals not employed at asthma onset often experience sustained low employment rates, highlighting a specific challenge in managing asthma and work.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent condition affecting the working-age population.
- It is a significant cause of work limitations.
- Previous research lacked longitudinal data on asthma and employment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term employment status of individuals with asthma.
- To identify factors influencing employment continuity in this population.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study of 601 individuals diagnosed with asthma.
- Data collected via interviews at 18-month intervals.
- Comparison with a matched sample from the U.S. Bureau of the Census Current Population Survey.
Main Results:
- Most individuals with asthma (92%) had prior work history.
- Employment rates at study enrollment varied significantly based on employment status at disease onset (29% vs. 68%).
- Demographic and employment factors, rather than medical ones, primarily determined employment continuity.
Conclusions:
- Asthma did not substantially hinder employment for the majority of participants.
- Individuals not employed at asthma onset faced persistent challenges in re-entering the workforce.
- Further research may be needed to address employment barriers for this specific subgroup.