RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Health related quality of life and occupational COPD JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P1118 VO 44 IS Suppl 58 A1 David Fishwick A1 Leon Lewis A1 Anthony Darby A1 Judith Waterhouse A1 Paul D. Blanc YR 2014 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1118.abstract AB Heath-related quality of life (HRQL) is a key patient-centered outcome. It is known that COPD impacts on HRQL, and that occupational exposures lead to COPD. The inter-relationship among these, however, remains to be better understood.Methods: Data from a population-based cohort study based in Sheffield, UK, were used to study the association between occupational exposure in the longest held employment to inhalants associated with COPD and HRQL. Exposure was defined using a job exposure matrix (JEM) and HRQL with the 3 point scale European Quality of Life 5 Dimension (EQ5-D). Multiple regression analysis was used to test the association between exposure and HRQL, adjusted for socioeconomic status, sex, age, smoking status, lung function deprivation, female gender and stratified by a self-reported COPD diagnosis.Results: We analyzed data for 623 persons, of whom 148 had self-reported COPD and 475 did not. The overall mean EQ5D utility index was 0.68 (SD 0.31). Occupational exposure was associated with significantly worse HRQL among all subjects (0.069 units difference) and among those without COPD (0.061 units), both p<0.05. The difference in just those with self reported COPD was 0.070 units, (p=0.26), although self reported occupational exposures in those with COPD were significantly associated with a poorer HRQL.Conclusion: Occupational exposure to inhalants associated with COPD is associated with poorer HRQL both among those without COPD.Clinical Relevance: Occupational exposures negatively impact HRQL which is a key patient-centered outcome.