Psychosocial and occupational impacts of silicosis among denim sandblasters in Türkiye

Silicosis is a progressive occupational lung disease causing significant physical and psychosocial impairments. Denim sandblasting workers are particularly vulnerable due to intensive silica exposure and insufficient occupational protection. Besides respiratory consequences, silicosis may severely impact mental health through reduced hope, increased stress, and diminished psychological resilience.

A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and February 2025 in Bingöl province, Eastern Türkiye. The sample consisted of 62 male denim sandblasting workers diagnosed with silicosis and 61 healthy male controls. Sample size calculation was performed using G-Power software. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire capturing socio-demographic characteristics, and standardized scales assessing psychological well-being (Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale), resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), hope (Dispositional Hope Scale), and forgiveness (Heartland Forgiveness Scale). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, MANCOVA, Pearson correlation, and multiple linear regression.

Silicosis patients demonstrated significantly lower levels of hope, psychological resilience, psychological well-being, and forgiveness compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that hope (β = 0.67, p < 0.001) and psychological resilience (β = 0.22, p = 0.047) significantly predicted psychological well-being. Forgiveness dimensions did not independently predict psychological well-being.

Silicosis significantly impairs psychosocial health, notably by reducing hope and psychological resilience. These findings underline the importance of holistic interventions, including targeted psychological support, policy reforms, and community-based coping programs, to enhance the quality of life among affected workers.