Work-related respiratory symptoms in New Zealand farmers.
BACKGROUND
The first national survey of the respiratory health of New Zealand farmers looked at the prevalence of respiratory symptoms by farm type and work exposure.


METHODS
An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to 2,203 farmers randomly selected from all over New Zealand.


RESULTS
Response rate was 77.6% of 2,203, or 1,706 participants. Breathing problems at work were reported by 17.6% of farmers. Working with oats was strongly associated with work-related breathing problems (OR = 3.3, 2.1-5.2). Dyspnea was more common in female farmers, whereas chronic bronchitis was higher in males. Orchardists (OR = 2.3, 1.3-4.0), those growing oat crops (OR = 3.0, 1.7-5.4) and using the grain mill (OR = 2.8, 1.3-6.3) reported the highest symptom rates of ODTS/FL. Having hay fever or eczema, and smoking were risk factors for all respiratory symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Working in the areas of pigs, poultry, horses, grains, and hay are associated with respiratory symptoms in New Zealand farmers.
Wellington Asthma Research Group, Department of Medicine, Wellington School of Medicine, Wellington, New Zealand. mona@wnmeds.ac.nz
M R
MR
Kimbell-Dunn
R D
RD
Fishwick
L
L
Bradshaw
R
R
Erkinjuntti-Pekkanen
N
N
Pearce
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*