Epidemiological Characteristics of Patients with Occupational Pneumoconiosis in Selected Areas of Sichuan and Chongqing

Abstract

Objective: To analyse the basic epidemiological characteristics of patients with occupational pneumoconiosis in selected areas of Sichuan and Chongqing, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of pneumoconiosis and strategic health cooperation planning between the two regions. Methods: Using judgemental sampling, patients with occupational pneumoconiosis were selected from Guangyuan, Suining, and Chengdu (hereafter referred to as “Sichuan area”) and Jiulongpo and Yongchuan districts of Chongqing (hereafter “Chongqing area”) for follow-up between August 2023 and December 2024. Data on survival status, occupational history, type and stage of pneumoconiosis were collected. Basic patient characteristics, age at first diagnosis, and dust‑exposure duration were described and compared between the two areas using the chi‑square test and the Mann‑Whitney test. Results: A total of 8,316 patients were followed up in 2023–2024, of whom 7,877 living cases were included in the analysis (3,468 from Sichuan and 4,409 from Chongqing). In both areas, the prevalent cases were predominantly middle‑aged and elderly males, with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis as the main disease types, and stage I being the most common. Significant differences were observed between the two areas in mean age, age at first diagnosis, mean illness duration, dust‑exposure duration, disease type distribution, and stage distribution (all P < 0.001), while sex distribution did not differ significantly (predominantly male). For coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, the age at first diagnosis was mainly concentrated in the 40–60 years range (Sichuan: 59.9%; Chongqing: 88.0%); for silicosis, it was mainly in the 50–70 years range (Sichuan: 66.4%; Chongqing: 63.2%). Dust‑exposure duration was most frequent in the 10–15‑year and 20–25‑year groups, accounting for 1,729 (21.9%) and 1,227 (15.6%) cases, respectively. Conclusion: The existing pneumoconiosis cases in both regions are predominantly stage I coal workers’ pneumoconiosis affecting middle‑aged and elderly individuals. Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis and silicosis remain the key targets for prevention and control. It is essential to formulate policies tailored to the management of pneumoconiosis in Sichuan and Chongqing, to promote cooperation and complementarity in medical rehabilitation and occupational disease management, and to further enhance social security coverage and quality of life for pneumoconiosis patients.