Observational cross-sectional study on Symptoms Associated to Moisture DAmage at Workplace: the SAMDAW study protocol

Area of Science:

• Occupational Medicine
• Environmental Health
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Workplace moisture damage (MD) exposure is associated with increased asthma risk.
• Many MD-exposed workers experience voice and breathing difficulties, suggesting laryngeal involvement.
• Current research relies heavily on questionnaires, necessitating more objective diagnostic methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the prevalence of respiratory, voice, and other symptoms in patients with workplace MD exposure.
• To evaluate background factors, bronchial hyperreactivity, and laryngeal findings in a case-control setting.
• To improve differential diagnostics for accurate treatment of MD-related conditions.

Main Methods:

• Observational study of patients referred to secondary healthcare with workplace MD exposure and symptoms.
• Comprehensive clinical assessments including lung function tests, imaging, and specialist evaluations (respiratory, ENT, phoniatrics).
• Exposure assessment by occupational physician and comparison with a randomly selected general population sample.

Main Results:

• Ongoing study; results not yet available.
• Data collection includes patient questionnaires on medical history and background factors.
• Laryngeal and voice symptom prevalence will be analyzed in relation to MD exposure.

Conclusions:

• Ongoing study; conclusions not yet available.
• The study aims to provide a more accurate diagnostic framework for MD-related respiratory and voice disorders.
• Findings will inform clinical practice and occupational health guidelines.