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Adverse work outcomes and events attributed to asthma.
Carol A Mancuso1, Melina Rincon, Mary E Charlson
1Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. camancus@med.cornell.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|August 21, 2003
Summary
Asthma significantly impacts work, with many patients altering jobs or taking time off due to symptoms. These work limitations can adversely affect career progression and job satisfaction.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Pulmonology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition associated with reduced employment rates, productivity, and increased absenteeism.
- The study investigates the multifaceted impact of asthma on an individual's professional life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate how asthma affects work function and performance.
- To examine the occurrence of adverse events in the workplace related to asthma.
- To assess the long-term career consequences for individuals with asthma.
Main Methods:
- 196 patients from an urban practice completed life events scales.
- Participants rated whether asthma caused specific adverse work events.
- Multivariate analyses were used to identify associated factors.
Main Results:
- 38% of patients modified jobs, work hours, or duties; 65% took time off due to asthma.
- Lower education, comorbidities, and specific medication use (oral corticosteroids, oral beta agonists, methylxanthines) were linked to adverse outcomes.
- 39% felt asthma hindered career advancement, and 7% experienced negative work events attributed to asthma in the past year.
Conclusions:
- Patients report significant daily and long-term negative work outcomes attributable to asthma.
- Factors such as asthma severity, demographics, and occupational characteristics correlate with adverse work events.