Individual and occupational characteristics associated with respiratory symptoms among Latino horse farm workers.
BACKGROUND
Latino workers are likely exposed to a variety of respiratory hazards in the horse barn, yet the potential impact of these exposures on respiratory health has not been investigated.


METHODS
Using a community-based sample of 225 Latino horse farmworkers we investigated the prevalence of upper and lower respiratory symptoms and occupational characteristics associated with them. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with respiratory symptomology.


RESULTS
Upper respiratory symptoms prevalence ranged from 24% to 45%. Half of workers reported lower respiratory symptoms. Workers with symptoms were more likely to be female and have lower levels of English understanding. Workers who never/rarely used dust masks while working in the barn experienced over two times the odds of reporting upper respiratory symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Many Latino horse workers experienced upper and lower respiratory symptoms. Dust mask use may protect workers in this and other enclosed livestock operations from respiratory symptoms.
School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland.
Jennifer E
JE
Swanberg
Department of Health Behavior, University of Kentucky, College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky.
Jessica Miller
JM
Clouser
Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky.
Wenqi
W
Gan
Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky.
David M
DM
Mannino
Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky.
John C
JC
Flunker
D000328:Adult; D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D000822:Animal Husbandry; D000818:Animals; D004391:Dust; D000067565:Farmers; D005260:Female; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006736:Horses; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D015995:Prevalence; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D014481:United States
D004391:Dust
Latino farm workers; equine workers; occupational health; personal protective equipment; respiratory health; respiratory symptoms