The proportion of people with abnormal radiographic results according to the ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses system in the Region 9 Public Health exposed to sandstone dust and asbestos data from the Pneumoconioses Surveillance System

Abstract

Many workers were exposed to inorganic dust while working in factory and construction sector, especially in Northestern of Thailand. Number of pneumoconiosis patients were reported slightly increasing in Region 9 Public Health surveillance system. This study aims to 1) assess the proportion of abnormal radiographic finding according to ILO International Classification of Radiographs of Pneumoconioses among workers who exposed to silica and asbestos  2) assess factors associated to abnormal chest X-ray. The study design was descriptive study. The study population obtained from secondary data of Region 9 Public Health pneumoconiosis surveillance system from 2016 to 2021 which accounted for 284 workers. The data collection tool was developed, as a record form which composed of general characteristics, job characteristics, PPE using, respiratory symptoms and chest radiograph reports reading by the NIOSH B-reader. Total study population included 284 workers. The results revealed that 72.9 % of workers have worked in Nakhon Ratchasrima province. Most of workers 60.9% exposed to silica dust and 76% of workers had duration of exposure more than 5 years.  The proportion of abnormal radiography equal or greater than 1/0 of profusion is 65.1% (185/284). Factors affecting chest radiography are job task, duration of exposure and frequency of using PPE. Primary prevention and secondary prevention should be implemented for early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, the patients should be removed from exposure for preventing progression of disease.