Adverse Health Outcomes Among Industrial and Occupational Sectors in Michigan

We used data from the Michigan Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (MIBRFSS) to estimate the prevalence of adverse health outcomes by industry and occupation and to examine the association of adverse health outcomes with industry and occupation while controlling for demographics and personal lifestyle behaviors.

We calculated the prevalence of adverse health outcomes by industry by using data from the 2013-2015 MIBRFSS. Adjusted prevalence of adverse health outcomes was calculated by industry and occupation by using logistic regression for survey design, adjusting for demographics and health behaviors, and was compared with the overall prevalence in all industries and occupations.

Three industries had a significantly higher prevalence of current asthma, diabetes, and depression compared with prevalence among workers employed in all industries. After controlling for confounding factors, only Health Care and Social Assistance had significantly higher prevalence of a health outcome, depression (20.1%). Three occupations had significantly higher prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, current asthma, depression, high blood pressure, and diabetes compared with workers employed in all occupations. After adjusting for all confounding factors, only one occupation, protective service, had a significantly higher prevalence of high blood pressure (37.3%) and diabetes (12.8%).

Adverse health outcomes varied significantly by industry and occupation in Michigan. Employers, policy makers, and health promotion practitioners can use results based on BRFSS to target and prioritize worksite wellness programs. MIBRFSS data also suggested the need for further research to identify why some industries had higher risks for diabetes, hypertension, and depression after controlling for covariates.