O-167 Incidence Trends of Occupational Diseases in Lithuania in 2009-2022

Introduction One of the main indicators of safety and health at work status is the incidence of occupational diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate the trends in the incidence of occupational diseases in Lithuania during the period of 2009-2022. Methods Incidence rates were calculated using data from the Republic of Lithuania National Register of Occupational Diseases. The rates were age-standardized using the direct standardization method. The changes in the incidence rates throughout the study period were analyzed using segmented regression calculated with the JOINPOINT statistical software. We determined joinpoints in the dynamic lines of the incidence rates and calculated mean annual relative (percentage) change for each period. Results Incidence of occupational diseases declined during the study period: in 2009-2011 years was observed a rapid fall - annual relative (percentage) change of 32.1 %, then in 2011-2017 there was a slight change (-0.2 %) every year, during 2017-2022 the incidence of occupational disease decrease 15.5 % annually. In summary, during 2009-2022 annual relative (percentage) change was -11.8 % (CI (-14.3) – (-9.1)), p <0.001. Discussion The results of the study reflect the statistics on the reduction of occupational diseases shown by Eurostat. Specialists in Lithuania see a number of reasons that determine such trends: improving working conditions, a small number of occupational medicine doctors, and other social circumstances. Conclusion During the study period, the incidence of occupational diseases decreased almost 5 times. The incidence was found to slightly decrease during the period of 2011-2017, very rapidly during 2009-2011, and from 2017 to 2022.