Current aspects of occupational diseases: considerations on an italian clinical case record

Abstract

Background. Observed occupational diseases vary over the years, due to changes in technological cycles, tasks and related risks. Objective of the study. To define the current characteristics of work-caused diseases in Italy. Material and methods. Case record analysis of occupational diseases diagnosed at our clinic from 2019 to 2023. Results. The record includes 119 cases: 82 males and 37 females; age: 30-84 years (average: 59.5). From 1982 to 2023, various body systems showed differing case numbers across seven periods. The respiratory system had the highest cases initially (589 in 1982-1988), dropping to 19 by 2019-2023. Hearing issues peaked (735 in 1989-1995), then declined to 7. The locomotor system saw a significant rise, reaching 96 cases by 2011-2018. Cardiovascular cases were notable early (240 in 1989-1995) but nearly vanished by 2001. Digestive and hematopoietic issues remained consistently low. Overall, total cases decreased from 1801 in 1982-1988 to 119 in 2019-2023, reflecting changes in health trends and medical advancements. Compared to the past, the number of diagnoses is lower. We observed a decrease in the diseases affecting the respiratory, musculoskeletal, auditory, and central nervous systems. Conclusion. Trend towards a progressive reduction in the number of occupational diseases diagnosed in Italian hospitals, likely expression of the improvement in hygienic conditions of working environments.