Work-related respiratory disorders and farming characteristics among cattle farmers in Northern Germany

Background The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the pre valence of respiratory symptoms among Northern German fanners in relation t o cattle farming characteristics. Methods 1735 farmers were visited on their farms and were interviewed risin g a standardized questionnaire on work-related respiratory symptoms and far ming details. Results 84.6% of the farmers were cattle fanners. The prevalence of work-re lated respiratory symptoms was 40.3%. In a multiple logistic regression mod el adjusting for response rate, age gender, and smoking habits, work-relate d respiratory symptoms were shown to be significantly associated with the v entilation of the cattle house (OR (ventilation via the wail): 0.57), feedi ng management (OR (feeding once daily): 0.53), and plant crop (OR: 0.75). F armers, living inland, showed a significant higher prevalence of work-relat ed respiratory symptoms (OR: 1.34). Conclusions The use of ventilation via the wall might be recommended for ne w cattle houses in regions with warm winters. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:444-449, 1999. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.