Knowledge about silicosis in 1993-1996 in Hong Kong

Aims. To study the knowledge about silicosis in the general population in Hong Kong. Methods. A total of two telephone interviews were carried out in 1993 and 1996 using random digit dialling on the population aged 15 years or over. The response rates were > 70%. The number of respondents was 715 in 1993 and 1,595 in 1996. Results. In 1996, about 90% (range 86-94%) of the respondents answered correctly the questions about the causes of pneumoconiosis (asbestos and silica dust), the occupations with risk (construction and quarry workers) and prevention of silicosis (that silicosis is preventable, dust reduction and wearing masks are the preventive measures, and taking tonics or drugs cannot prevent silicosis). About 71% knew that silicosis patients can receive compensation. Only 56% knew that silicosis cannot be cured. Compared with the 1993 findings, the 1996 survey showed marked improvements. Multiple regression showed that those who were female, older, with less education, living in public housing, had lived in Hong Kong for less than 10 years or more than 20 years, were students or housewives, or were not exposed to silica had poorer knowledge. Conclusions. The publicity efforts of the Pneumoconiosis Compensation Fund Board were effective in improving the public's knowledge. Future education should be: targeted at the population at risk and to fill the gaps in knowledge.