Table 5

 Occupational factors as predictors of decline in health status or increased healthcare utilisation

Employment measuresDecline in respiratory status 52 of 159 subjects OR (95% CI)New ED or hospital admission 27 of 186 subjects OR (95% CI)
Multivariate model includes the variables shown as well as smoking status, age by category, gender, and race (see table 1 for variable definitions and table 3 for definition of risk factors).
Decline in respiratory status defined as increased symptoms of dyspnoea on exertion or shortness of breath at rest over the two weeks preceding the follow up interview, in comparison to the two weeks preceding the baseline interview. The model excludes 75 individuals who reported serious symptoms at baseline.
New ED or hospital admission defined as report of an emergency room visit or hospitalisation in the 12 months prior to follow up interview, but not in the baseline interview. This model excludes 19 individuals with ED or hospital admissions in the 12 months preceding the baseline interview.
No disability or exposure (referent)
VGDF exposure, no work disability1.7 (0.8 to 2.7)1.2 (0.4 to 3.5)
Work disability, no VGDF exposure1.9 (0.4 to 8.2)1.5 (0.3 to 8.2)
Work disability and VGDF exposure4.5 (1.3 to 16.0)6.9 (2.0 to 24.0)