Abstract | BACKGROUND: In a previous study inverse associations between asthma and exposure to fungal spores and endotoxins in atopic farmers and positive associations with the same factors in non-atopic farmers were documented. No external reference population had been included. We, therefore, compared this farming population with the general population from an adjacent region. METHODS: Random samples of a farming (n=2,106) and a rural (n=351) and urban (n=727) general population were selected. Atopy was assessed by serum IgE and asthma by questionnaires. RESULTS: The asthma prevalence was 4.0% among farmers, 5.7% in the rural, and 7.6% in the urban population. Atopy was similar (9-10%). Most asthmatics were not atopic, 67-75%. Farmers had asthma less often than the general population OR 0.52 (95% CI 0.36-0.75); both atopic (OR 0.33 (95% CI 0.15-0.69)) and non-atopic asthma (OR 0.60 (95% CI 0.39-0.93)). CONCLUSION: This may indicate a protective effect of the farm environment on asthma but a healthy worker effect may also play a role.
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Authors | Wijnand Eduard, Ernst Omenaas, Per Sigvald Bakke, Jeroen Douwes, Dick Heederik |
Journal | American journal of industrial medicine
(Am J Ind Med)
Vol. 46
Issue 4
Pg. 396-9
(Oct 2004)
ISSN: 0271-3586 [Print] United States |
PMID | 15376208
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Aged
- Agricultural Workers' Diseases
(epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
- Asthma
(epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
- Dermatitis, Atopic
(epidemiology, etiology, immunology)
- Endotoxins
(immunology)
- Environmental Exposure
(adverse effects)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Norway
(epidemiology)
- Occupational Exposure
(adverse effects)
- Prevalence
- Rural Population
- Spores, Fungal
(immunology)
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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