Trends in work sectors and exposures among patients with work-related asthma in the Tunisian central region

Abstract

Background: Work-related asthma (WRA) is the most common occupational lung disease in Tunisia and all over the world. Several factors including socio-demographic status, industry, occupation and exposures increase its developing risk. Aims: To identify changes in characteristic, work sectors and exposures among WRA patients. Methods: A descriptive retrospective study, enrolling all cases of WRA declared in the private sector of the Tunisian center over a 12 years period. Data were collected from the regional center of the National Health Insurance Fund in Sousse. Patients were divided into two groups according to the periods of WRA diagosis (2003-2008 and 2009-2014). Comparisons between the two groups included socio-demographic characteristics, work sectors, and exposures. Results: WRA was diagnosed in 593 patients. It was more frequent in the second period (63,6% versus 37,4%). Patients mean age increased significantly from 39,2 years in the first period to 41.4 years in the second one (p=0.006). In the both period, WRA was more frequently diagnosed in females. Although WRA was most frequent in textile industry in both periods, a significant increase in its prevalence was noted in timber industry, automotive and mechanical industry and electronic industry. Vegetable textile dusts represented the most implicated etiologic agent in both period. Organic isocyanates have increased but not significatively. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the frequency of WRA is evolving because of industry and exposures developement. This information may assist in plans to develop WRA preventive programs and in facilitating early recognition and diagnosis by health care practitioners.