Effectiveness of a Mobile Application-Based Intervention to Improve Knowledge and Practice Regarding Silicosis Among High-Risk Workers of Dust Exposure in a Northern Province of Vietnam

Abstract

Objectives: to analyze changes in knowledge and practices regarding silicosis in groups of workers at high risk of silicosis before - after an intervention. Methods: The study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 based on structured questions related to knowledge and practices of silicosis of workers directly exposed to silica dust in a Northern province of Vietnam. The mobile app-based intervention was applied to steel workers, then compared with ironworkers in improvements in silicosis knowledge and practices. Results: Significant changes in the intervention group related to workers' knowledge about the signs suggestive of silicosis, disease consequences, measures to reduce the risk of silicosis, and participation in annual occupational disease examinations were reported. Conclusion: Mobile application-based interventions could improve silicosis knowledge and practice among workers at high risk of exposure to silica dust.