Statistical analyses

The sample size was calculated using an effect size of 0.3, significance level of 0.05, power of 0.80, and number of independent variables of 10. Therefore, the study was conducted with 64 as the target number of participants. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software (version 26.0 for Windows; IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). The assumption of normality was assessed using statistical methods. For all analyses, a p value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Correlation of PA of patients with pneumoconiosis and each item was analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. Multiple regression analysis (stepwise method) was performed to identify factors that independently affect PA. The data were then path-analyzed using SPSS Amos (Version 26.0 for Windows; IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA). This analysis efficiently and directly allows for the simultaneous modeling and testing of indirect or mediated associations among variables. Figure 1 shows a hypothetical model based on previous research. The hypothetical model was modified based on the results of the correlation and multiple regression analyses, and path analysis was performed to examine suitability.

Hypothesized model