Asthma caused by occupational exposures is common – A systematic analysis of estimates of the population-attributable fraction
2009

Occupational Asthma: Understanding Its Impact

Sample size: 21000 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Torén Kjell, Blanc Paul D

Primary Institution: Sahlgrenska University Hospital

Hypothesis

What is the population-attributable fraction of asthma caused by occupational exposures?

Conclusion

Occupational exposures contribute significantly to adult-onset asthma, highlighting the need for preventive measures.

Supporting Evidence

  • 16.3% of adult-onset asthma is caused by occupational exposures.
  • The overall median PAR value was 17.6%.
  • Clinicians should consider occupational history in asthma evaluations.

Takeaway

Many people get asthma from their jobs, so it's important for doctors to ask about work history when treating asthma.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from various longitudinal, case-control, and cross-sectional studies to estimate the population-attributable risk (PAR) for occupational asthma.

Potential Biases

There may be biases in self-reported data and in the classification of occupational exposures.

Limitations

The study may not account for all potential confounding factors and relies on existing literature, which may vary in quality.

Participant Demographics

The studies included diverse populations from various countries, with a focus on adults.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Confidence Interval

95% CI 25–33%

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2466-9-7

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