Abstract
Introduction: International studies have shown a high prevalence of respiratory complaints amongst agricultural workers however there is little data regarding the prevalence of respiratory disease in the Irish farming population. A recent study has shown that Irish farmer's general health has lagged behind other professions for unclear reasons.
Aim: We undertook a cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and airways disease amongst Irish farmers.
Methods: A key component was respiratory scientist measured spirometry. Investigator-delivered questionnaires collected baseline demographics, symptom data and possible exposures.
All study participants were farming volunteers. Spirometry results were correlated with variables related to respiratory disease.
Results: Data on 372 farming volunteers was included for analysis. Majority were male (76%) with median age 55 years. 61% were never smokers.
44(12%) had obstructive spirometry(Fixed FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70). Of those, two-thirds were never smokers. The presence of obstruction in never smokers was significantly associated with prior diagnosis of airways disease and self-reported hayfever/allergy, p<0.01.
Almost two-thirds reported one or more respiratory symptom. There was no significant correlation between the presence of airflow obstruction and home/occupational exposures.
Conclusion: This large comprehensive assessment of lung disease in Irish farmers demonstrates a remarkably high prevalence of obstructive lung disease in non-smoking subjects compared with international levels. More detailed studies are needed to identify the workplace factors accounting for these findings.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
