Job titles classified into socioeconomic and occupational groups identify subjects with increased risk for respiratory symptoms independent of occupational exposure to vapour, gas, dust, or fumes

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the ability of three different job title classification systems to identify subjects at risk for respiratory symptoms and asthma by also taking the effect of exposure to vapours, gas, dust, and fumes (VGDF) into account. Background: Respiratory symptoms and asthma may be caused by occupational factors. There are different ways to classify occupational exposure. In this study, self-reported occupational exposure to vapours, gas, dust and fumes was used as well as job titles classifed into occupational and socioeconomic Groups according to three different systems. Design: This was a large population-based study of adults aged 30–69 years in Northern Sweden (n = 9,992, 50% women). Information on job titles, VGDF-exposure, smoking habits, asthma and respiratory symptoms was collected by a postal survey. Job titles were used for classification into socioeconomic and occupational groups based on three classification systems; Socioeconomic classification (SEI), the Nordic Occupations Classification 1983 (NYK), and the Swedish Standard Classification of Occupations 2012 (SSYK). Associations were analysed by multivariable logistic regression. Results: Occupational exposure to VGDF was a risk factor for all respiratory symptoms and asthma (odds ratios (ORs) 1.3–2.4). Productive cough was associated with the socioeconomic groups of manual workers (ORs 1.5–2.1) and non-manual employees (ORs 1.6–1.9). These groups include occupations such as construction and transportation workers, service workers, nurses, teachers and administration clerks which by the SSYK classification were associated with productive cough (ORs 2.4–3.7). Recurrent wheeze was significantly associated with the SEI group manual workers (ORs 1.5–1.7). After adjustment for also VGDF, productive cough remained significantly associated with the SEI groups manual workers in service and non-manual employees, and the SSYK-occupational groups administration, service, and elementary occupations. Conclusions: In this cross-sectional study, two of the three different classification systems, SSYK and SEI gave similar results and identified groups with increased risk for respiratory symptoms while NYK did not give conclusive results. Furthermore, several associations were independent of exposure to VGDF indicating that also other job-related factors than VGDF are of importance.

Physical training in adults with asthma: An integrative approach on strategies, mechanisms, and benefits

“…Careful asthma control in childhood is important, as asthma recurs in patients with morbidities and comorbidities in adulthood and determines lung function (11). However, when the onset of symptoms occurs during adulthood, it is estimated that 5%-20% of new cases are associated with occupational exposure, requiring more detailed investigation (12).…”

Association of respiratory symptoms with body mass index and occupational exposure comparing sexes and subjects with and without asthma: follow-up of a Norwegian population study (the Telemark study)

“…Increased body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m 2 ) and occupational exposure to vapours, gas, dust and fumes (VGDF) are associated with respiratory symptoms 1 2. Obesity is associated with exertional dyspnoea, an increased risk of asthma and reduced asthma control 1.…”

“…For instance, in Norway, it is estimated that 23% of the workers are exposed 6. Current evidence strongly suggests that exposure to VGDF can affect the airways in subjects with and without asthma 2 5 7–11. Multiple studies have shown that exposure to VGDF is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)8 and asthma,9 10 12 and that occupational exposure to VGDF can also be a risk factor for asthma exacerbation 11 13…”

Mortality Associated With Occupational Exposure in Helsinki, Finland—A 24-Year Follow-up

“…In epidemiological studies, airborne occupational exposures have been linked to the genesis of both COPD and asthma 9–14 . Job-exposure matrix (JEM)–classified (occupational) exposure among occupations has previously shown manual work to have the biggest burden of exposure 15 . In a previous cross-sectional study, we estimated the difference of occupational exposure among different occupational groups 6 and found similar results.…”