Abstract
Background: Occupational diseases (ODs) remain a major public health concern. Despite advances in occupational health (OH), many workers remain at risk due to insufficient preventive measures and limited access to specialized care.
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic and occupational characteristics of patients attending an ODs outpatient clinic in Türkiye and to assess associated risk factors.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 326 patients in a descriptive observational study. Variables included age, sex, work duration, income, education, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, and diagnosis.
Findings: The mean age was 48.1 years, and 89.3% of participants were male. ODs were diagnosed in 42.3% of patients, with pneumoconiosis being the most common (34.1%). Longer employment duration significantly increased risk (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.09; p < 0.001). Income was also significant: both below- (OR: 2.79; 95% CI: 1.20–6.49; p = 0.017) and above-minimum-wage earners (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.00–6.37; p = 0.050) had a higher risk. Most participants reported dust (79.4%) and ergonomic exposures (77.6%). Consistent mask use was 12.0% and hearing protection 7.7%. PPE use was insufficient in smaller workplaces but relatively higher in larger ones. Women began working later than men (26.2 vs. 17.3 years; p < 0.001). Most participants (85.9%) had social security coverage, yet 16% worked after retirement.
Discussion: Improving OH practices, particularly in small enterprises where PPE use is inadequate, expanding worker training and workplace inspections, and ensuring access to OH services for self-employed individuals are critical for effective prevention of ODs. Additionally, addressing socioeconomic factors such as income disparities may further reduce occupational disease risk.