| Variable | AO | No AO |
| Number | 165 | 407 |
| Age (mean, SD and range) | 69.3 (9.0) (56–88) | 66.7 (7.3) (56–90) |
| Sex (% male) | 68.5% | 52.3% |
| Smoking status (ever smoked as much as 1 cigarette/day for 1 year) | 79.4% | 51.6% |
| Mean (SD) duration of smoking (years) | 32.4 (14.2) | 24.2 (14.4) |
| Ever worked with VGDF | 69.7% | 53.8% |
| Either smoking or VGDF | 88.5% | 73.0% |
| Mean (SD) deprivation index* | 21.8 (15.9) | 17.3 (16.4) |
| Self-reported diagnosis of COPD, emphysema, asthma or chronic bronchitis | 57.0% | 21.1% |
| Cough, phlegm, chest tightness or wheeze | 72.1% | 34.9% |
| Diagnosis or symptoms | 75.2% | 37.6% |
| SOB MRC 3 | 58.8% | 28.7% |
| Symptoms or SOB | 74.5% | 36.9% |
| Problems with mobility | ||
| None | 34.4% | 56.3% |
| Some | 65.0% | 43.7% |
| Bed-bound | 0.6% | 0.0% |
| Problems with usual activities | ||
| None | 42.3% | 63.0% |
| Some | 47.2% | 32.8% |
| Unable to do | 10.4% | 4.2% |
AO, airway obstruction; SOB, shortness of breath; VGDF, vapours, gases, dusts or fumes.
*Percentage in postcode on income support.