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Work Ability in Patients with COPD: Sick Leave Frequency and Duration
(International Journal of Clinical Studies and Medical Case Reports, 2023-09-04)
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Atanasovska, Aneta
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Panajotovic-Radevska, Maja
Introduction: Findings of several studies indicated that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects patients’ work ability and everyday life activities. Aim of the study: To compare frequency and duration of absence from work in workers with COPD and non-COPD controls. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including 114 workers with COPD (63 males and 51 females, mean age 53.2 ± 3.7) and an equal number of non-COPD controls (60 males and 54 females, mean age 52.7 ± 3.1), classified by skill level in four occupation groups. Evaluation of the study subjects consisted of completion of a questionnaire, baseline spirometry, and bronchodilator reversibility testing. Results: Frequency of the sick leave episodes was significantly higher in workers with COPD than in non-COPD controls (44.7% vs. 20.1%; P = 0.004). In addition, frequency of sick leave episodes was higher in all occupation groups of workers with COPD than in non-COPD controls with significant difference for the workers performing physical or manual tasks (48.3% vs. 21.2%; P = 0.045). In regard to duration of sick leave episodes, the frequency of episodes lasting equal or less than 15 days and more than 15 days was higher in workers with COPD being significantly higher for episodes longer than 15 days (50.9% vs. 26.9%; P = 0.045). Conclusion: Our findings indicated significantly higher frequency of sick leave episodes, as well as significantly higher frequency of sick leave episodes lasting more than 15 days, in workers with COPD than in non-COPD controls.
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Specific work activities and exposure to respiratory hazards - predictors of lung function impairment among crop farmers
(ID Design Press/Scientific Foundation SPIROSKI, 2020-04-25)
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Atanasovska, Aneta
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Bislimovska, Dragana
The objective of the study was to evaluate the specific work activities and occupational exposure to respiratory hazards as predictors of chronic respiratory symptoms development, lung function decline, and respiratory health impairment among crop farmers. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was performed, including 87 crop farmers (mean age: 53.4 Â± 7.8 years; and mean exposure duration: 22.9 Â± 7.8 years) and 80 office workers as a control group (mean age: 52.7 Â± 8.2 years) matched for age, smoking habits, and socioeconomic status. Subjects were evaluated by a questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in the past 12 months and spirometry testing. RESULTS: Crop farmers had a significantly higher prevalence of cough (41.4), phlegm (28.7%), and dyspnea (21.8%), than controls (p < 0.05). All mean baseline spirometric parameters were lower in crop farmers, but statistical significance was confirmed only for MEF25, MEF50, and MEF75 (p = 0.003, p = 0.000, and p = 0.001, respectively). Most of the respiratory symptoms were significantly associated with common work activities of crop farmers and all-day exposure to certain respiratory hazards. Age, exposure duration, and their combined effect with smoking habit had a significant effect on forced expiratory volume in one second FEV1 and FEV1/forced vital capacity. CONCLUSION: The results confirm that occupational exposure among crop farmers is associated with higher prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function decline and, together with specific workflow activities, may not only be a predictors of respiratory health impairment, but also a key tool in the creation of preventive strategies.</jats:p>

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