Risk factors of silicosis prevalence among stone carvers in Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand

Abstract

Background: Silicosis is caused by inhalation of silica dust or silicon dioxide or other sandstone dust into the lungs that is a major problem, resulting in illness and death among risk grapes who workers in the mill. Carver, stone, etc. This study was imitated to determine the epidemiological and evaluate risk factors.
Methods: This study design was a case–control study. The samples studied were among stone carvers. Patient’s definition with silicosis from ILO–based physician diagnosis. Data were collected using interview questionnaire.
Results: Of 212, 70 were identified as cases with a average age 48.1 years, the average working time is 10.8 years, the duration of diagnosis was 2.7 years. Epidemiological studies with multiple logistic regression found risk factors for disease: sex (Adj OR= 5.14, 95%CI=1.20–21.93) , Age (Adj OR= 4.67, 95%CI=1.85–11.80), Lower income (Adj OR= 5.13, 95%CI=1.17–22.53) Duration of work (Adj OR= 5.77, 95%CI=1.70–19.55) , the job characteristics (Adj OR= 3.37, 95%CI=1.13–10.08) and not wearing personal protective clothing (Adj OR= 3.46, 95%CI=1.22–9.82).
Conclusions: The high risk sand–stone carvers must be strictly for proper personal protective clothing and regulary medical check up.