Comparison of Psychological, Quality of Life, Work-Limitation, and Socioeconomic Status Between Patients With Occupational Asthma and Work-Exacerbated Asthma

• Published in: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine 2017-07, Vol.59 (7), p.697-702
• Main Authors: Lipszyc, Joshua C., Silverman, Frances, Holness, Dorothy Linn, Liss, Gary M., Lavoie, Kim L., Tarlo, Susan M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Anxiety; Anxiety - etiology; Asthma; Asthma, Occupational - etiology; Asthma, Occupational - physiopathology; Asthma, Occupational - psychology; Comparative analysis; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depression - etiology; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Income; Male; Mental depression; Mental Health; Middle Aged; Occupational diseases; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Original Article; Patients; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; Psychology; Quality of Life; Socioeconomic factors; Socioeconomic status; Socioeconomics; Subgroups; Surveys and Questionnaires; Variables; Vital Capacity; Work Capacity Evaluation
• ISSN: 1076-2752; 1536-5948
• DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001066

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to compare psychological status, quality of life (QoL), work limitation, and socioeconomic status between patients with occupational asthma (OA) and work-exacerbated asthma (WEA). METHODS:The following questionnaires were administered to participantsBeck anxiety and depression (II) inventories, Marks’ Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Work Limitations Questionnaire. Cross-sectional analyses between OA and WEA subgroups were completed. RESULTS:There were 77 participants. WEA subjects had a trend to higher anxiety scores (OA = 9.2 ± 8.0, WEA = 12.8 ± 8.3, P = 0.07, Cohen d = 0.4). Depression scores trended higher for those with WEA (OA = 9.6 ± 10.3, WEA = 13.4 ± 13.5, P = 0.2, Cohen d = 0.3). QoL was comparable between groups. WEA subjects had fewer work limitations (N = 50, OA = 25.1 ± 27.3, WEA = 20.6 ± 24.4, P = 0.56, Cohen d = 0.3) and OA subjects were more likely to have reduced income. CONCLUSION:In a tertiary clinic, there were some modest differences for specific variables between OA and WEA subjects that may help inform management.