Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the
U.S. Workplace exposures are important modifiable contributors to the burden of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease. Among U.S. workers, 19% of chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease cases are attributable to workplace exposures. This study examines the trends
in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence during 2012–2018 among workers
and assesses the population attributable fraction for chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease associated with work by smoking status, industry, and occupation.
Methods
The 2012–2018 National Health Interview Survey data for workers aged ≥18 years employed
during the 12 months before the interview were analyzed in 2019. Annual trends were
examined using the Poisson regression model. Multivariate logistic regression was
used to calculate adjusted prevalence ORs.
Results
During 2012–2018, an estimated age-adjusted annual average of 4.1% of workers had
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and prevalence varied by industry and occupation.
Overall, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevalence increased by an estimated
annual average of 1.5% (p<0.05). The prevalence trends increased significantly among workers in the merchant
wholesale nondurable and the arts, entertainment, and recreation industries and among
financial specialists; supervisors, other food services workers; supervisors, building
grounds workers, and maintenance workers; personal care and services workers; supervisors
and office and administrative support workers; and motor-vehicle operators and material
moving workers. The proportion of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cases attributable
to work was 27.3% among all workers and 24.0% among never smokers.
Conclusions
Public health efforts to increase the awareness and understanding of chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease associated with occupational risk factors are needed to prevent
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among workers, especially among those employed
in industries and occupations with increasing prevalence trends.
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