J Agric Med Community Health.  2023 Dec;48(4):251-261. 10.5393/JAMCH.2023.48.4.251.

A Literature Review on Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Among Domestic and Overseas Farmers

• Kim S
• Yoon S
• Kim J
• Cho Sy
• Park HW
• Kim D
• Kim G
• Kang J
• Kim K
• Choi D
• Yoo SJ

• KMID: 2551406
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2023.48.4.251

Abstract

Objective
Farmers are known to have high prevalence of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). This study aims to investigate the current status of asthma and COPD in domestic and foreign farmers with the ultimate goal of raising awareness of asthma and COPD among farmers and contribute to supporting evidence for the prevention of respiratory diseases in farmers.
Methods
The study utilized data from the "Farmer’s Occupational Disease Survey," conducted by the Rural Development Administration, to determine the prevalence of respiratory diseases in domestic farmers. The prevalence of asthma and COPD in overseas farmers was evaluated by researching other foreign studies and articles.
Results
The prevalence of asthma and COPD in domestic farmers was less than of foreign farmers’.The prevalence of asthma in domestic farmers was high as upto 8.4% and COPD upto 5.5%. Studies from Europe and America showed prevalence of asthma in farmers high as upto 14.8% and COPD upto 17.1%.
Conclusions
This study conducted an investigation using the 'Survey on Occupational Diseases and Injuries in Farmers to understand the current status of asthma and COPD in domestic farmers. Due to a lack of relevant domestic research, we examined and compared with the research results on asthma and COPD among overseas farmers. Further research is necessary and preventive measures for respiratory diseases need to be developed.

Keyword

Farmers; Pulmonary Disease; COPD; Asthma; Prevalence