title: Predictors of respiratory sickness absence: an international population-based study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Respiratory tract-related occupational disability is common among adults of working age. We examined occupational vapors, gas, dust, or fume (VGDF) exposure as a predictor of disability, based on respiratory sickness absence among the actively employed, at an early point at which prevention may be most relevant.
  
  
  METHODS
  Currently employed European Community Respiratory Health Survey II participants (n = 6,988) were classified into three mutually exclusive, condition/symptom-based categories: physician-diagnosed asthma, self-reported rhinitis, and wheeze/breathlessness (n = 4,772). Logistic regression analysis estimated the odds of respiratory sickness absence (past 12 months) by VGDF exposure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the condition/symptom groups, 327 (6.9%) reported respiratory sickness absence. Exposure to VGDF was associated with increased odds of respiratory sickness absence: asthma odds ratio [OR] 2.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1-3.6), wheeze/breathlessness OR 2.2 (95% CI 1.01-4.8); rhinitis OR 1.9 (95% CI 1.02-3.4).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  One in 15 currently employed with asthma, breathlessness, or rhinitis reported respiratory sickness absence. VGDF exposure doubled the odds of respiratory sickness absence, suggesting a focus for disability prevention.
authors: Section of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. jeong-lim.kim@amm.gu.se
authors: Jeong-Lim
authors: JL
authors: Kim
authors: Paul D
authors: PD
authors: Blanc
authors: Simona
authors: S
authors: Villani
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Olivieri
authors: Isabel
authors: I
authors: Urrutia
authors: Marc
authors: M
authors: van Sprundel
authors: Torgeir
authors: T
authors: Storaas
authors: Nicole
authors: N
authors: Le Moual
authors: Jan-Paul
authors: JP
authors: Zock
authors: Kjell
authors: K
authors: Torén
mesh_terms: D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult