Background: This study provides an updated analysis of the global burden of pneumoconiosis from 1990 to 2021, categorizing by etiology (silicosis, asbestosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and other pneumoconioses) using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 2021.
Methods: We extracted data on incidence, prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) from GBD 2021 for 204 countries and territories. We calculated age-standardized rates (ASRs) and used linear regression to estimate the average annual percentage change (EAPC) in ASRs to quantify trends. Analyses were stratified by age, sex, sociodemographic index (SDI), and geographic region. Pearson correlation was employed to assess the relationship between ASRs and SDI.
Results: In 2021, silicosis was the most burdensome form, exhibiting the highest ASRs for all measures. From 1990 to 2021, the global burden of silicosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and other pneumoconioses significantly declined (all EAPCs <0). In contrast, the ASRs of incidence and prevalence for asbestosis increased. The burden demonstrated substantial geographic variation, with men and the elderly being the most affected populations. Correlation analyses indicated a critical role of SDI levels in influencing the burden.
Conclusion: The global burden of pneumoconiosis remains a significant public health challenge, with notable etiological and geographic disparities. These findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and control strategies tailored to specific regions and populations.
Keywords: Epidemiology; Global disease burden 2021; Pneumoconiosis.
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