Impact of gender on the development of allergic respiratory diseases in the occupational environment

Abstract

<bold>Introduction:</bold> Gender plays a crucial role in the development of allergic respiratory diseases in the workplace, influencing allergen exposure, immune response and prevention practices. <bold>Aims:</bold> To demonstrate the impact of gender on the development of allergic respiratory diseases in the workplace. <bold>Methods:</bold> Retrospective descriptive study of the medical records of patients with allergic pathologies who consulted the occupational medicine department for a medical opinion on fitness for work during the 12-year period from January 1, 2012 to December 2024. <bold>Results:</bold> Of a total of 272 patients who consulted the occupational medicine department for allergic respiratory pathology, 54% were predominantly female (n=147). The mean age was 42,1±8,41 years (p=0,208). Average length of service was 15,08±9,325 years (p=0,215). They mainly belonged to the healthcare sector (p=10-3; OR=6,414 95%CI [2,411-17,063]) and textile sector(p=0,002; OR=2,898;95%CI [1,462-5,746]). The busiest workstation was that of machine stitchers(p=10-3). The declaration of respiratory allergic pathologies as an occupational diseases was made in 64.2% of cases (p=0,008 ; OR=1.971 95%CI [1,195-3,250]). Occupational asthma was present in 68,1% of cases (p=0,007; OR=2,2 ;95%CI [1,237-3,95]), occupational rhinitis was present in 72,2% (p=0,109). The most common allergens were textile and plant dusts (p=0,016;OR=4.281 ;95%CI[1.201-15.25]), isocyanates (p=0,755) and formaldehyde (p=0,841). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> This study highlights the significant impact of the female gender in the development of allergic respiratory pathologies in the workplace, particularly in the healthcare and textile sectors with increased risk of occupational asthma.