Silicosis Prevalence and Associated Factors Among High-Risk Population Group in Vietnam in 2018–2019

Despite silicosis being one of the oldest occupational diseases, it continues to be a leading occupational disease worldwide and in Vietnam. The study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors for the development of silicosis among workers directly exposed to silica dust. In a cross-sectional survey of 4,002 workers in five provinces, social-demographic and occupational health characteristics were collected through a face-to-face interview and a chest X-ray performed by medical staff and pneumoconiosis radiologists. Logistic multivariate regression was applied to analyze risk factors associated with silicosis. The overall prevalence of silicosis was 12.27%. The prevalence was higher in male (13.2%) than female (7.9%) with p < 0.001; prevalence also increased with older age group, and was higher in exploiting and processing stones and granite quarrying. ‘Workers’ exposure with silica dusts more than 15 years were more likely positive with silicosis. Male, older age groups, type of work such as exploiting and processing stones and granite quarrying, workers who unknown silicosis can be preventive, and the long distance to health facilities were significantly associated with silicosis. Our findings indicate the importance of reviewing the silicosis diagnosis, particularly time exposure. Further intervention to prevent silicosis must be prioritized for male, older workers, tailored by type of work, and improving of knowledge and practices against silicosis of the workers.