Gender differences, occupational and demographics characteristics of workers with bronchial asthma

This project aims to identify demographic characteristics of workers with bronchial asthma. Specifically, to identify high-risk occupations related to bronchial asthma that could be targeted for future surveillance.

Methods: Data on socio-demographics, health and occupation information was collected by reviewing the medical files claims of injured workers reported to the State Insurance Fund in Puerto Rico corresponding to the period 2002 through 2004 with bronchial asthma diagnosis.

Results: A total of 576 claims files were reviewed to identify all cases with bronchial asthma diagnosis. 170 bronchial asthma cases were reported. There were 127 women (75.6%) and 43 men (25.4%). The average age was 41.3 years for men and 43.9 years for women. The main occupations related to bronchial asthma on men were office and administrative construction, building, and maintenance. The predominant occupations reporting asthma among women were office and administrative, education, building, and maintenance. There was a statistically significant difference on the occupational exposures between men and women. Occupational agents related to bronchial asthma reported by men were unknown gases, vapors and fumes, cleaning products and dusts. Women were more likely to report occupational exposures to a combination of mixed agents including molds, humidity, chemical agents, cleaning products and dust.

Conclusions: Even within the same occupational title gender could explain different exposures to agents in the developing or exacerbation of bronchial asthma. The findings of this study correlated with previous studies suggested that women are at increased of risk of developing and exacerbation of bronchial asthma in their labor environments.