OBJECTIVE: Long-term outcomes of asthma related to exposure to workplace dampness are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with asthma related to damp and moldy workplaces and characterize factors influencing QOL. METHODS: Using a questionnaire, we followed 1267 patients previously examined for suspected occupational respiratory disease related to exposure to damp and moldy indoor environments. In addition to demographic and other background data, the questionnaire included sections on current employment status, QOL, anxiety and depression, somatization, hypochondria, and asthma medication. We compared the QOL of patients with occupational asthma (OA) with that of patients with work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) or symptoms without asthma. RESULTS: Impaired QOL was found among patients diagnosed with OA when they were compared with patients in corresponding environments with WEA or symptoms only. Not working and greater use of asthma medication were major determinants of worse QOL. Psychological factors did not explain the differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: OA induced by exposure to workplace moisture and molds is associated with QOL deterioration. The impairment is related to being unemployed (due to disability, retirement, job loss or other reasons) and the need for medication.
OBJECTIVE: Long-term outcomes of asthma related to exposure to workplace dampness are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) of patients with asthma related to damp and moldy workplaces and characterize factors influencing QOL. METHODS: Using a questionnaire, we followed 1267 patients previously examined for suspected occupational respiratory disease related to exposure to damp and moldy indoor environments. In addition to demographic and other background data, the questionnaire included sections on current employment status, QOL, anxiety and depression, somatization, hypochondria, and asthma medication. We compared the QOL of patients with occupational asthma (OA) with that of patients with work-exacerbated asthma (WEA) or symptoms without asthma. RESULTS: Impaired QOL was found among patients diagnosed with OA when they were compared with patients in corresponding environments with WEA or symptoms only. Not working and greater use of asthma medication were major determinants of worse QOL. Psychological factors did not explain the differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: OA induced by exposure to workplace moisture and molds is associated with QOL deterioration. The impairment is related to being unemployed (due to disability, retirement, job loss or other reasons) and the need for medication.
Authors: Eckardt Johanning; Pierre Auger; Philip R Morey; Chin S Yang; Ed Olmsted Journal: Environ Health Prev Med Date: 2013-11-20 Impact factor: 3.674
Authors: Laura Teirilä; Kirsi Karvala; Niina Ahonen; Henrik Riska; Anne Pietinalho; Päivi Tuominen; Päivi Piirilä; Anne Puustinen; Henrik Wolff Journal: PLoS One Date: 2014-07-17 Impact factor: 3.240
Authors: Eerika Finell; Asko Tolvanen; Juha Pekkanen; Jaana Minkkinen; Timo Ståhl; Arja Rimpelä Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-07-16 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Aki Vuokko; Kirsi Karvala; Hille Suojalehto; Harri Lindholm; Sanna Selinheimo; Marja Heinonen-Guzejev; Sami Leppämäki; Sebastian Cederström; Christer Hublin; Katinka Tuisku; Markku Sainio Journal: Saf Health Work Date: 2019-06-14