PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Monica Fletcher
AU  - Helen Albrow
AU  - Samantha Walker
TI  - COPD and its impact on ability to continue to work
DP  - 2011 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - p4940
VI  - 38
IP  - Suppl 55
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p4940.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/38/Suppl_55/p4940.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2011 Sep 01; 38
AB  - Introduction: COPD affects large numbers of people of working age. This international study measured the personal, social and economic burden of disease in this population. The age, disease severity, and co-morbidity data are presented according to employment status, to identify the characteristics of individuals across the groups.Method: 2426 respondents from Brazil, China, Germany, Turkey, UK, US were recruited utilising a mixed methods design. Employment status was recorded: currently employed, not working and retired due to COPD. Disease severity was assessed using MRC scores (Mild: 1-2, Mod 3-4, Severe 5).Results: Retirees reported greater disease severity than workers (MRC m: 4.1 v 3.1, p<0.005), more co-morbidities (m: 2.5 v m: 1.1). More retirees reported anxiety and depression. 60% of retirees had mild or moderate disease v 91% in work. 64% (n 284) of early retirees retired over 4 years ago.View this table:Table 1. Demographic data of employed and non-employed groupsConclusions: It is possible that disease severity limits ability to work, however the trigger to retire may also be due to other factors including co-morbidities. Workers registered the lowest prevalence of psychological disorders and it is unclear whether this is due to milder disease, age or employment status. This data suggests employers and occupational health professionals have a key role in keeping people with COPD in active work for longer.