摘要：Objectives . This study examined the impact of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on health status and work disability. Methods . We used data from a population-based sample of 3805 California adults. Results . Compared with adults with no chronic health conditions, adults with COPD or asthma had a greater risk of self-reported diminished general health (odds ratio [OR] = 10.95; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.31, 19.0 and OR = 3.92; 95% CI = 2.31, 6.65, respectively). Respondents with COPD or asthma also had worse mental health status, as indicated by a greater risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 10.05; 95% CI = 5.29, 19.08 and OR = 2.59; 95% CI = 1.33, 5.04). COPD was associated with reduced current employment (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.24, 0.71). Conclusions . Asthma and COPD are associated with poor health status and greater work disability. Asthma is a common chronic health condition, affecting about 5% of the US adult population. 1 It may have a significant negative impact on health status and the capacity to work. Previous investigators have found that asthma is associated with significant reduction in health-related quality of life. 2– 7 As a result, work limitation appears to be common among persons with asthma. 8– 14 In terms of indirect health costs, the impact of asthma on decreased work productivity is substantial, accounting for hundreds of millions of dollars annually in the United States. 15, 16 Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is also a common and costly chronic medical condition. Among adults of working age (18–64 years), about 5% report having COPD, defined as either chronic bronchitis or emphysema. 1 COPD has been associated with significantly decreased health-related quality of life. 17– 23 Although several studies have examined the impact of workplace conditions on the development of COPD, the impact of COPD on work disability has received less attention. 24– 28 Asthma and COPD, the most common obstructive lung diseases, appear to be associated with impaired health status. Previous studies have examined health status and work disability in samples recruited from clinical sources. 2– 4, 6– 9, 17– 23 As a consequence, these estimates are based on persons who probably have more severe disease. The impact of asthma and COPD on health status and employment in the general population has not been well characterized. In this study, we examined the impact of asthma and COPD on health status and work disability.
