Health Care Utilization, Lost Work Days, and Bed Days Among U.S. Workers With COPD, by Industry and Occupation

To assess health care utilization, lost work days, and bed days among workers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by industry and occupation.

The 2014 to 2018 National Health Interview Survey data were analyzed.

Among workers with COPD the highest odds of reporting an emergency room (ER) visit and lost work days were observed among workers aged ≥65 years, females, those with no health insurance, and current combustible tobacco users. Workers with COPD in the information industry and computer and mathematical occupation reported highest odds of an ER visit and utilities industry workers reported highest odds for lost work days.

The high health care utilization and lost work days among workers with COPD in certain industries and occupations underscores the importance of continued surveillance and tailored interventions to reduce disease burden and improve worker health.