Comprehensive Risk Assessment of People With Silicosis: A Population-based Study

Comprehensive Risk Assessment of People With Silicosis: A Population-based Study

Objectives: This study aims to explore the risk profiles among people with silicosis in Hong Kong underpinned by the Pittsburgh Mind-Body Center model.

Design and subjects: This study will adopt a cross-sectional study design with sampling stratified by participants' degree of incapability. 320 Chinese people diagnosed with silicosis and registered with the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board will be recruited.

Data collection: A demographic data sheet and the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire will be used to collect the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants. The behavioral factors (smoking, drinking, physical activity level, consumption of vegetable and fruits and plasma vitamin C level) as well as the psychological risk factors (anxiety and depressive symptoms, and social support) will be examined by validated questionnaires. Biological and physiological parameters, including insulin resistance, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, fasting blood glucose and lipid profiles, will be ascertained by fasting blood sample.

Data analysis and expected outcomes: The findings of this study will create the database profile of the physical, psychosocial and disease specific aspects among people with silicosis in Hong Kong, subsequently forming the empirical basis of an intervention to tackle the identified modifiable risks among them.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Hong Kong Chinese-speaking residents and Chinese ethnicity;
• diagnosis of silicosis and confirmed by the Pneumoconiosis Medical Board
• registered with the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board (PCFB); and
• able and willing to give informed written consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• With medically diagnosed mental illness, including major depression, or
• with active pulmonary tuberculosis