Major international study uncovers that 3 out of 4 individuals with asthma struggle to fully realize their work potential
In a groundbreaking study, funded by Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH and Novartis, researchers led by Dr. Kevin Gruffydd-Jones from Box Surgery, Wiltshire, UK, have shed light on the impact of asthma on work productivity and the personal challenges it presents for workers worldwide.
The study, published in the Journal of Asthma and Allergy, was conducted as a multi-national survey involving 1,500 symptomatic asthma patients across six countries. The research highlighted the global issue of asthma in the workplace and its detrimental effects on productivity and the emotional well-being of workers.
The survey results revealed that a staggering three out of four (74%) workers reported being unable to work to their full potential due to their asthma. On average, up to one-tenth (9.3%) of work hours were missed in a single week due to workers' asthma symptoms. This averaged out to 5.4 work hours missed for both part- and full-time employees.
The study also indicated that asthma impacted the respondents' emotional well-being, including mental strain and embarrassment. A significant number of asthma patients felt guilt, shame, and embarrassment when using inhalers at work. Respondents also reported feeling inferior and disadvantaged compared to their non-symptomatic colleagues.
Dr. Gruffydd-Jones explains that the solution requires a coordinated approach by clinicians, employers, and occupational health teams. Clinicians must ask patients about the impact of asthma on their work, while employers must encourage their workers to seek medical help and provide an 'asthma friendly' environment. This requires providing appropriate environmental controls and a working environment that minimizes embarrassment, such as allowing staff to move out of the immediate work environment to use their inhalers.
The findings of this study quantify the impact of asthma on work time missed, loss of productivity while working, and total work productivity loss for a week. Total work productivity dropped by one third (36%) due to asthma. Workers commonly reported feeling challenged by respiratory symptoms, as well as tiredness/weakness, mental strain, and physical impairments.
Taylor & Francis Group, a publisher of scholarly journals, books, ebooks, and reference works, published this significant research. The study serves as a call to action for a more asthma-friendly workplace, emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort to support asthma patients in the workforce and improve their overall well-being and productivity.
