![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.jpg)
BACKGROUND: The NH BRFSS in collaboration with the Occupational Health Surveillance Program has been collecting industry and occupation (I/O) data using a state added module in 2011-2012 and an optional module supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 2013.
METHODS: Statistical Analysis System (SAS) was used for analysis. Cross-tabulations were conducted using with various combinations of the following variables: NAICS (North American Industry Classification System), SOC (Standard Occupation Codes), FLUSHOT (Have you had either a flu shot or a flu vaccine), DIABETE3 (Ever told you have diabetes), _CASTHM1 (Still have asthma), _BMI5CAT (Body Mass Index >= 30.0).
RESULTS: Among the 22 industrial classifications, the construction industry (NAICS 23) has the lowest influenza immunization rate of 15.1%. Over 70.0% of workers with either asthma or obesity were not immunized. Construction managers, first – line supervisor, carpenters and laborers represented the largest occupation groups not immunized.
CONCLUSIONS: The I/O module can identify workers at risk for medical complications from severe influenza by industries, occupations and chronic health conditions, although it cannot provide the reason/s why immunization rate is low. Knowledge about occupations and industries at highest risk can help target prevention strategies where they are needed most. The strength of the I/O data is that it is applicable to research into other health conditions and health risk behaviors by industries and occupations.