Occupational and Regional Patterns of Silicosis in Türkiye: A Multicenter Study.

Kar Kurt, Ozlem; Akgündüz, Bilge; Sandal, Abdülsamet; Akkale, Tuğba; Aydin Özgür, Esra; Kuman Oyman, Eliz; Kalayci, Defne; Demirci Atik, Merve et al. · J Occup Environ Med · 2026

cross_sectional · Level IV

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Abstract

National data on sector-specific and regional patterns of silicosis beyond compensation records are limited. We aimed to characterize these in Türkiye and identify factors associated with severity. In this retrospective cross-sectional multicenter study, 1,393 patients diagnosed 2020-2025 across 12 centers were analyzed. Demographics, occupational history, referral pathways, and radiological findings were evaluated. Distribution was assessed by workplace and birthplace. Predictors of advanced disease were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. Patients were predominantly male (99.2%), median age 47. Ceramics (36.8%) was most common, followed by foundry, denim-sandblasting, mining, dental technology. Large opacities were present in 23.0%. High-intensity exposures showed more severe disease despite shorter duration. Age and sector predicted severity. The high burden of advanced disease and regional clustering highlight gaps in preventive surveillance, underscoring the urgent need for strengthened exposure control.