Does Body Mass Index and asthma affect work ability? Cross-sectional data from the general population in Telemark, Norway.

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity affects a growing proportion of the general population and is prevalent also among subjects with asthma. Studies have demonstrated that both body mass index (BMI) and asthma may impact work ability, but the evidence has been inconclusive. Aims and Objectives: To assess the association between self-reported work ability, and BMI and asthma, and whether there is a synergistic interaction between obesity and asthma on work ability. Methods: Cross-sectional data on self-reported work ability and BMI were obtained in 2013 from 11137 subjects engaged in paid work during the past 12 months, aged 16 to 50 years, from a random sample of the general population of Telemark, Norway. Self-rated work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Score (WAS). Associations between WAS and BMI and by asthma status were examined using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The inclusion of the interaction term asthma*BMI in the regression model did not reveal any synergetic effect between asthma and BMI (data not shown). Conclusion: There was a dose-response relationship between reduced work ability and increasing BMI. Asthma was associated with reduced work ability, but there was no indication of a synergetic effect between asthma and obesity in terms of work ability.