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Respiratory impairment and symptoms as predictors of early retirement with disability in US underground coal miners

Journal Article · · Am. J. Public Health; (United States)
A five-year prospective study of 1,394 United States underground coal miners was undertaken to study the effects of respiratory impairment on the rate of early retirement with disability (ERD). Using a logistic regression analysis, ERD was found to be related to reported persistent phlegm after adjustment was made for other respiratory symptoms, respiratory function measurements, cigarette smoking, and some demographic characteristics. No prediction of ERD occurred for spirometrically determined measures of respiratory function. The data thus give limited support to the hypothesis that early retirement with disability in underground coal miners can be predicted prospectively by measures of respiratory symptoms.
Research Organization:
Appalachian Laboratories for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV
OSTI ID:
6556858
Journal Information:
Am. J. Public Health; (United States), Journal Name: Am. J. Public Health; (United States) Vol. 74:8; ISSN AJHEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English