Abstract
Aims and objectives: Bakers are at high risk of rhinitis and asthma, but the prevalence of these occupational diseases is not well known in Sub-Saharan Africa. We investigated occupational asthma and rhinitis among bakers in the former province of Katanga.
Methods: In a cross-sectional study conducted in 8 towns from October 2018 to September 2019, we included 276 male nonsmoking workers from industrial bakeries and 113 male controls (35 butchers + 78 bread sellers). Participants replied to a validated questionnaire (European Community of Respiratory Health Survey II), administered face-to-face, and performed spirometry at the work place. In 15 bakers with symptoms of work-related asthma, self-measured peak expiratory flow (PEF) 4 times/day during 4 weeks were analyzed by the OASYS protocol.
Results: The bakers and controls did not differ by age (32.2±7.3 y vs 32.8±10.3 y). Based on the questionnaire, work-related rhinitis and asthma were significantly more prevalent among bakers (31% and 5%, respectively) than controls (2% and 0%, respectively). However, the groups did not differ significantly with regard to spirometric parameters. Based on PEF records, 10 bakers had occupational asthma (OASYS score> 2.5).
Conclusions: This first study in DR Congo demonstrates the existence of occupational asthma and rhinitis among industrial bakers in Katanga. Further epidemiological studies are needed to clarify the extent and risk factors of baker’s asthma in the area.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA1903.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021
