Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among flight attendants, teachers, and working women (aged 24–49)
| Symptom (%) | Flight attendants (FA) (n = 1824) | Teachers (T) (n = 331) | Comparison women (C)* | p value | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FA v T | FA v C | T v C | ||||
| *Source of comparison data varies by symptom: 1988 NHIS Occupational Health Supplement (for eyes, nose, and throat; n = 9304), the 1988–94 NHANES III (for cold or flu; n = 2786), the 2000 BRFSS (for asthma; n = 41988), and 1984 data for non-exposed blue collar workers in North Carolina (for chest illness; n = 416). Standard error (SE) in parentheses. | ||||||
| Itchy, irritated, or watery eyes in prior 2 weeks | 12.4 | 7.4 | 2.9 (0.2) | 0.02 | <0.005 | 0.01 |
| Stuffed, itchy, or runny nose in prior 2 weeks | 15.7 | 8.1 | 2.7 (0.2) | <0.005 | <0.005 | <0.005 |
| Sore or dry throat in prior 2 weeks | 7.5 | 5.7 | 1.3 (0.1) | 0.28 | <0.005 | <0.005 |
| Chest illness in past 3 years | 32.9 | 19.3 | 7.2 (1.3) | <0.005 | <0.005 | <0.005 |
| Cold or flu (5+ episodes in past year) | 10.2 | 8.2 | 2.3 (0.4) | 0.26 | <0.005 | <0.005 |
| Ever had asthma diagnosed by a physician | 8.2 | 13.3 | 11.8 (0.3) | <0.005 | <0.005 | 0.42 |
| Currently have physician diagnosed asthma | 4.9 | 8.8 | 8.6 (0.3) | <0.005 | <0.005 | 0.90 |