Abstract:
Objective To analyze the characteristics and survival outcomes of newly diagnosed occupational pneumoconiosis cases in Jingdezhen and to provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of pneumoconiosis in the region.
Methods A retrospective study was conducted using data on newly diagnosed cases of occupational pneumoconiosis in Jingdezhen from 1983 to 2023. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression model.
Results Since 1983, a total of 2 439 cases have been diagnosed in Jingdezhen, majorly as silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and ceramic workers' pneumoconiosis, and the number of new pneumoconiosis cases has fluctuated but showed an overall downward trend. As of December 2023, 1 068 patients (43.79%) were still alive, while 1 371 (56.21%) had died. The median survival time (M) (P25, P75) was 19.85 (9.50, 27.17) years, with 5-year and 10-year overall survival rates of 87.8% and 74.1%, respectively. For silicosis patients, the 5-year and 10-year survival rates were 85.1% and 71.3%; for coal workers' pneumoconiosis, they were 93.1% and 80.2%; and for ceramic workers' pneumoconiosis, they were 81.4% and 67.6%. Cox regression analysis showed that male patients had a 2.258-fold higher risk of reduced survival time compared to females (P < 0.001); patients with ceramic workers' pneumoconiosis had a 1.600-fold higher risk of reduced survival time compared to those with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (P < 0.001); patients diagnosed at ages 40.0 to 49.0, 50.0 to 59.0, and ≥ 60.0 years old had 2.168, 4.909, and 16.946 times higher risks of reduced survival time compared to those diagnosed at ages < 40 (all P < 0.001), respectively. Pulmonary tuberculosis was identified as the most common comorbidity.
Conclusions Ceramic workers' pneumoconiosis posed the most serious occupational health threat in Jingdezhen. Targeted measures such as the control of dust hazards, as well as dust monitoring, occupational health examinations for workers, and workplace health education in ceramic manufacturing enterprises should be prioritized by the relevant authorities.