People who experience work-related stress and fear losing their jobs are at a higher risk of asthma, a new study finds.
The latest study confirms pervious findings that have linked work-related stress to an elevated risk of asthma. Researchers examined over 7000 working adults, who were part of the German Socio-Economic Panel Study. The study was conducted during 2009 and 2011.
During this time, the participants were asked questions about asthma. Researchers also took into account a period of severe economic downturn across Europe, which began in 2008. And all respondents were asked in 2009 how likely they thought it was that they might lose their job over the next two years. About 105 asthma cases were reported between 2009 and 2011, half of whom were women. The participants were graded in 10 percent increments from 0-100 percent, and divided into high versus low or no threat. The researchers used a cut-off point of a 50 percent or greater likelihood of unemployment versus a less than 50 percent probability.
Researchers found that most of the participants who feared losing their job in the next two years were slightly younger, had a lower level of education, a lower monthly income, and were more likely to be single than those who felt the risk was low (2787) or non-existent (2593). After taking into account all the influencing factors like sociodemographic factors, depression, and lifestyle, researchers reported an evident rise of asthma risks with job insecurities. For example, every 25 percent increase in the perceived threat of job loss was linked to a 24 percent increase in risk of asthma.
Researchers also clarified that this was an observational study so no definitive conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect. However, they did point out that their results were "consistent with epidemiological studies, which have shown that psychological stress in particular work related stress, may be risk factors for new onset asthma."
"Our findings may also provide a possible explanation for the increased prevalence of respiratory symptoms during the recent economic crisis in the UK," they added in a press statement.
