Introduction: This study estimated the prevalence of spirometry-defined airflow obstruction by industry and occupation and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among ever-employed U.S. adults.
Methods: Data came from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2008 to 2011-2012, a nationally representative study of the non-institutionalized civilian U.S.
Population: Data on respondent's current and/or longest held job were used to create prevalence estimates and adjusted prevalence odds ratios (PORs) for airflow obstruction and COPD.
Results: Among ever-employed U.S. adults, airflow obstruction prevalence was 12.40% and COPD was 3.47%. High airflow obstruction prevalence and significant PORs were reported in mining; manufacturing; construction; and services to buildings industries as well as extraction; bookbinders, prepress, and printing; installers and repairers; and construction occupations.
Conclusion: Prevalence of airflow obstruction varies by industry and occupation. Industries and occupations with increased risk were identified using the most current NHANES data including detailed occupations and spirometry.
Keywords: CDC; COPD; NHANES; airflow obstruction; industry; occupation; occupational exposure; prevalence.
Published 2018. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.