Comparison of Psychological, Quality of Life, Work-Limitation, and Socioeconomic Status Between Patients With Occupational Asthma and Work-Exacerbated Asthma

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare psychological status, quality of life (QoL), work limitation, and socioeconomic status between patients with occupational asthma (OA) and work-exacerbated asthma (WEA).Methods:The following questionnaires were administered to participants: Beck anxiety and depression (II) inventories, Marks' Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, and Work Limitations Questionnaire. Cross-sectional analyses between OA and WEA subgroups were completed.Results:There were 77 participants. WEA subjects had a trend to higher anxiety scores (OA=9.28.0, WEA=12.8 +/- 8.3, P=0.07, Cohen d=0.4). Depression scores trended higher for those with WEA (OA=9.6 +/- 10.3, WEA=13.4 +/- 13.5, P=0.2, Cohen d=0.3). QoL was comparable between groups. WEA subjects had fewer work limitations (N=50, OA=25.1 +/- 27.3, WEA=20.6 +/- 24.4, P=0.56, Cohen d=0.3) and OA subjects were more likely to have reduced income.Conclusion:In a tertiary clinic, there were some modest differences for specific variables between OA and WEA subjects that may help inform management.