Knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding crab asthma in four communities of Newfoundlad and Labrador.
OBJECTIVE
This study was conducted to learn from snow crab plants workers and others involved in the industry their knowledge and beliefs of health issues and potential solutions.


METHODS
This is a survey in four communities with different crab plant designs in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.


METHODS
At the start of a meeting to discuss crab asthma participants were requested to complete the questionnaire.


RESULTS
65% of 196 participants believed there were health problems associated with crab plants. 85% have heard of crab asthma. Almost 80% identified correctly the major symptoms of crab asthma as difficulty breathing, chest tightness and cough. Only 74% of workers did not know that workers with crab asthma were eligible for workers' compensation. 55% of those surveyed had heard of crab asthma from crab plant workers and only 26% from their doctor or nurse. If they had breathing problems, 73% would see their local doctor, and 51% a specialist and 51% their nurse.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of participants believed that there were health problems associated with crab plants. The majority of crab plant workers could identify symptoms of crab asthma correctly. Many do not know that those with crab asthma can obtain workers' compensation. Most of them learn of crab asthma from other workers but would seek treatment from their doctor.
Jong
Michael
M
Memorial University, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. mjong@hvgb.net
Neis
Barbara
B
Cartier
André
A
Horth-Susin
Lise
L
Howse
Dana
D
D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003445:Crustacea; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador / Q000453:epidemiology; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires