Work Aggravated Asthma in the UK v0.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Work aggravated asthma in the UK
IRAS ID
155281
Contact name
Lisa Bradshaw
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Health and Safety Executive (Corporate Science Unit)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 2 days
Research summary
Work aggravated asthma (WAA) is defined as “pre-existing or concurrent asthma that is worsened by workplace conditions” (Henneberger, 2011). Concurrent asthma in this context is defined as “asthma with onset while employed in the worksite of interest, but not due to exposures in that worksite”. This would include workers previously diagnosed with occupational asthma who have moved to a new workplace where the current irritant exposures may aggravate their asthma control.
In 2013, a HSL research report; ‘Work Aggravated Asthma a Review of Reviews’ (PH01626) identified that WAA is a common occurrence, with large numbers of workers with coincident or pre-existing asthma developing significant worsening or aggravation of their symptoms due to workplace exposures. Prevalence estimates varied according to the populations studied. Henneberger (2011) reported a median prevalence estimate of 21.5%, and a range represented by the 12 included studies of between 13% to 58%. However, no UK prevalence estimates were identified. There is a paucity of literature on the socio-economic impact of WAA. However, the available evidence suggests that WAA is associated with a significant socioeconomic impact.
The first phase of this study will collect data to estimate the prevalence of WAA in the UK from the Primary Care Research Network (PCRN) and a Third Sector Institution. A self-administered questionnaire will be used to collect data regarding work aggravated asthma, prevelance, work limitations and health-related quality of life.
To describe the socio-economic impact of work aggravated asthma in the UK, semi-structured face to face interviews will be used to collect qualitative data in a second Phase. The interviews will be recorded and will enquire about current health issues, work, social and financial impact of WAA.REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/SC/1296
Date of REC Opinion
19 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion