Evaluation of Silicosis Health Literacy among Silica Exposed Workers

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate silicosis health literacy among silica exposed workers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We developed a 10-item silicosis health literacy questionnaire in 2018. We designed the test to evaluate the health literacy of silica exposed workers. All silica exposed workers working in 9 factories in Lampang province were enrolled in the study from October 2018 - January 2019. RESULT: A total of 435 silica exposed workers from 9 factories were included in this study. The workers were aged 20 - 70 years, and the mean age was 40.11 ± 9.10 years. 54% were female, while 43.2% worked for over ten years. The silicosis health literacy level improved significantly after a 15-minute lecture in all age groups except for those in the age group range of 60-69 years. There was no statistical difference in the levels of silicosis health literacy between males and females. CONCLUSION: The study showed that silica exposed workers improved their silicosis health literacy level significantly after intervention. Silicosis health literacy may prevent workers from the risk of silicosis exposure in Thailand in the near future.