Correlational Between Worker Perceptions of Respiratory Protective Equipment Compliance and Pneumoconiosis Prevention at Karangbesuki Sanitary Industry Center, Malang City

Background: Prolonged occupational dust exposure significantly increases pneumoconiosis risk. Respiratory protective equipment, particularly masks, serves as a critical preventive measure in reducing dust exposure and the incidence of subsequent pneumoconiosis. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between mask usage compliance and pneumoconiosis prevention efforts among workers at the Karangbesuki Sanitary Industrial Center in Malang. Methods: A cross-sectional observational analytical study was conducted among 42 production workers at the Karangbesuki Sanitary Industrial Center. Data collection was performed through structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Somers’ D test for ordinal associations, and Chi-square tests for categorical relationships. Results: The results demonstrated a significant relationship between mask usage and pneumoconiosis prevention efforts (P=0.012, P