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Work-related respiratory symptoms in New Zealand farmers
M R Kimbell-Dunn1, R D Fishwick, L Bradshaw
1Wellington Asthma Research Group, Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand. mona@wnmeds.ac.nz
Background:
The first national survey of the respiratory health of New Zealand farmers looked at the prevalence of respiratory symptoms by farm type and work exposure.
Methods:
An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to 2,203 farmers randomly selected from all over New Zealand.
Results:
Response rate was 77.6% of 2,203, or 1,706 participants. Breathing problems at work were reported by 17.6% of farmers. Working with oats was strongly associated with work-related breathing problems (OR = 3.3, 2.1-5.2). Dyspnea was more common in female farmers, whereas chronic bronchitis was higher in males. Orchardists (OR = 2.3, 1.3-4.0), those growing oat crops (OR = 3.0, 1.7-5.4) and using the grain mill (OR = 2.8, 1.3-6.3) reported the highest symptom rates of ODTS/FL. Having hay fever or eczema, and smoking were risk factors for all respiratory symptoms.
Conclusions:
Working in the areas of pigs, poultry, horses, grains, and hay are associated with respiratory symptoms in New Zealand farmers.