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Home / Equine Research Bank / Int Arch Occup Environ Health / Occupational respiratory health of New Zealand horse trainer...
International archives of occupational and environmental health2006; 80(4); 335-341; doi: 10.1007/s00420-006-0141-4

Occupational respiratory health of New Zealand horse trainers.

Abstract: To confirm that working with horses is an occupational respiratory hazard and observed associations are not attributable to confounding. Methods: A postal survey of the respiratory health of 659 horse trainers and a comparison group of 506 vegetable growers was conducted. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Results: Relative to vegetable growers, horse trainers reported higher rates of chronic bronchitis [odds ratio (OR) = 6.8, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.2-21.4] and organic dust toxic syndrome/farmers' lung (ODTS/FL) (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.8-6.8). Grinding oats, spreading hay, and using powdered feed supplements were associated with increased respiratory symptoms among trainers. Associations between symptoms and working with horses increased for full-time workers. Conclusions: This study found evidence that working with horses is a risk factor for ODTS/FL and bronchitis. The associations did not appear to be explained by bias, including confounding. However, the possibility of confounding cannot be entirely ruled out, and confirmatory studies are needed. Future studies should consider inorganic dust exposures.
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Publication Date: 2006-09-26 PubMed ID: 17021845DOI: 10.1007/s00420-006-0141-4Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study identifies that working as a horse trainer in New Zealand poses a significant risk to respiratory health with higher reported instances of chronic bronchitis and organic dust toxic syndrome/farmers’ lung, when compared to vegetable growers doing similar physical work.

Research Methodology

  • The study was conducted via a postal survey targeting two occupational groups; 659 horse trainers and 506 vegetable growers.
  • These occupations were specifically chosen for comparison as they both involve physical activity in outdoor settings but different environmental exposures.
  • The data collected from the survey were then statistically analysed using logistic regression to ascertain the association between the occupation and the reported respiratory problems.

Findings

  • The research found that horse trainers reported a significantly higher rate of chronic bronchitis and organic dust toxic syndrome/farmers’ lung when compared to vegetable growers.
  • Among horse trainers, specific activities like grinding oats, spreading hay, and using powdered feed supplements were associated with increased respiratory symptoms.
  • Full-time horse trainers showed higher associations between respiratory symptoms and their work, indicating that extensive exposure might exacerbate these conditions.

Conclusions and Future Directions

  • The study concludes that working with horses can be considered a risk factor for developing organic dust toxic syndrome or farmers’ lung, and chronic bronchitis.
  • The researchers contend the associations found were not due to biases in the study, including confounding (where the effects of two factors on an outcome are not separated). But, they acknowledge that confounding cannot be entirely ruled out.
  • They suggest that more confirmatory studies are required to cement these findings.
  • Later studies are encouraged to consider the effects of inorganic dust exposures in relation to respiratory illnesses in horse trainers.

Cite This Article

APA
Gallagher LM, Crane J, Fitzharris P, Bates MN. (2006). Occupational respiratory health of New Zealand horse trainers. Int Arch Occup Environ Health, 80(4), 335-341. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-006-0141-4

Publication

International archives of occupational and environmental health
ISSN: 0340-0131
NlmUniqueID: 7512134
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 80
Issue: 4
Pages: 335-341

Researcher Affiliations

Gallagher, Lou M
  • Institute for Environmental Science and Research, Kenepuru, New Zealand.
Crane, Julian
    Fitzharris, Penny
      Bates, Michael N

        MeSH Terms

        • Adult
        • Age Distribution
        • Agriculture / statistics & numerical data
        • Animals
        • Bronchitis / epidemiology
        • Cross-Sectional Studies
        • Farmer's Lung / epidemiology
        • Female
        • Health Surveys
        • Horses
        • Humans
        • Male
        • Middle Aged
        • New Zealand / epidemiology
        • Occupational Health / statistics & numerical data
        • Prevalence
        • Risk Factors

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        Citations

        This article has been cited 5 times.
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        2. Bulfin K, Cowie H, Galea KS, Connolly A, Coggins MA. Occupational Exposures in an Equestrian Centre to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2019 Sep 3;16(17).
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