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

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Abstract
Background The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms among Northern German farmers in relation to cattle farming characteristics. Methods 1735 farmers were visited on their farms and were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire on work‐related respiratory symptoms and farming details. Results 84.6% of the farmers were cattle farmers. The prevalence of work‐related respiratory symptoms was 40.3%. In a multiple logistic regression model adjusting for response rate, age, gender, and smoking habits, work‐related respiratory symptoms were shown to be significantly associated with the ventilation of the cattle house (OR (ventilation via the wall): 0.57), feeding management (OR (feeding once daily): 0.53), and plant crop (OR: 0.75). Farmers, living inland, showed a significant higher prevalence of work‐related respiratory symptoms (OR: 1.34). Conclusions The use of ventilation via the wall might be recommended for new cattle houses in regions with warm winters. Am. J. Ind. Med. 36:444–449, 1999.