[Occupational asthma compensation in the Tunisian Center: cross-sectional study over a period of eight years]

[An epidemiological and evolutionary profile of occupational asthma of Tunisian workers]

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to identify the epidemiological and occupational characteristics of patients with occupational asthma (OA) and to assess their clinical evolution and occupational outcomes.

METHODS

We carried out a descriptive epidemiological study over a period of five years (from 2012 to 2016) about the OA cases in the private sector reported in the Tunisian region of Zaghouan.

RESULTS

All in all, 165 OA cases were reported during the study period, representing an annual incidence of 733.3 cases per 1,000,000 workers in the private sector. Our study population was composed predominantly (85.5%) of women, whose mean age was 41.5±6.8years. More than three quarters of the affected persons were working in the automobile industry, and most illnesses (77%) were attributable to isocyanates. The mean time to onset of the respiratory symptoms was longer for low molecular weight agents (13.6±3.1years) compared to high molecular weight agents (12.0±3.9years) (P=0.0006). The majority of OA cases (66.7%) lost their jobs. Job loss was significantly more frequent among asthmatic women and workers with OA due to isocyanates. Among the 62 cases of OA for whom risk factors were eliminated, 45 nonetheless remained symptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Effective prevention strategies involving the various actors need to be implemented in work environments so as to reduce the frequency and the medico-legal repercussions of a disabling condition.

Occupational diseases compensated in the Tunisian public sector

AIM

Describe the epidemiological characteristics of occupational diseases (OD) recognized by the Central Medical Commission (CMC) of the first ministry during the period from 2012 to 2019.

METHODS

It was a descriptive and retrospective study covering all cases of diseases declared and recognized as occupational diseases by the CMC of the first ministry in the public sector and their repair during the period from the first of January 2012 to December 31, 2019.

RESULTS

During the study period, 294 OD were declared, of which, 213 were recognized by the CMC (72.4%). The average age of the population was 45.8 ± 10.9 years. A female predominance was noted (61%). Most employees (56%) were part of the health sector. Tuberculosis was the most common occupational disease (21.1%). Cancers were present in 5.6% of cases. In this series, 99 workers had a temporary total disability (TTD) (46.5%). A partial permanent disability rate (PPD) was attributed to 20 victims of OD (9.4%) with an average rate of 29% and extremes ranging from 8% to 70%.

CONCLUSION

The OD recognized in the public sector seemed to be low. This encourages better information for workers on occupational risks and better awareness of attending physicians to report the professional nature of PD.