[Psychological impacts of follow up for occupational asbestos exposure. Consequences after compensation for occupational disease in the SPP-A cohort]. / Impact psychologique du suivi post-professionnel amiante à long terme. Quelles conséquences après la déclaration suivie de la reconnaissance d'une maladie professionnelle chez des sujets de la cohorte SPP-A ?

INTRODUCTION: In France, long-term follow-up after occupational exposure to asbestos is recommended. This study looked at the psychological consequences in the longer term following a CT-scan, in particular the impact of having received compensation for an occupational disease. METHODS: As part of an asbestos post-exposure survey study (APExS), volunteers from Normandy were asked to complete self-assessment questionnaires about their psychological condition at different points during follow-up, including a psychological questionnaire before, then 6 months, and finally 18 to 24 months after their chest CT-scan. Information collected from 622 individuals were analyzed based on information provided as to the result of the screening and whether they had received compensation for having an occupational disease. RESULTS: The identification of an occupational disease eligible for compensation is associated with a long term increase in psychological distress. The impact of psychological state during follow-up is greater in men who reported receiving occupational disease compensation. The discovery of an asbestos-related disease during the screening is associated with a negative perception of general health and an increase in psychological distress. CONCLUSION: The receipt of compensation of an occupational disease does not seem to compensate for the negative psychological impact related to the discovery of a disease during the asbestos post-exposure follow-up.