The Prevalence and Work-Related Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Miners at Kalumbila Mine, Kalumbila District Zambia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND

Mining is a hazardous occupation with high injury rates and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, few studies have reported on the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among mineworkers in Zambia.

AIM: The study examined risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among mineworkers at Kalumbila mine in Zambia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was undertaken, and data were collected using a self-administered Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire. A total of 357 participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method from among the male and female mine workers at the Kalumbila mine. The study used Stata/SE version 17 for univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. A p value of < 0.05 indicated there was a statistically significant result.

RESULTS

A total of 357 mine workers were recruited. The study revealed 275 (77%) of the participants reporting pain or discomfort in at least one body location. The highest level of discomfort or pain was reported in the lower back 184 (51.5%), upper back 90 (25.2%) and, neck 89 (24.9%). In the multivariable analysis, those with tertiary education (AOR 4.27, 95% CI: 1.78-10.24, p = 0.001), those who took more than two breaks in a typical working day were 9.51 times more likely to experience WRMSD compared to those who did not take any breaks while working (AOR 9.51, 95% CI: 1.15-79.96, p = 0.04). and operating machinery causing whole-body vibration (AOR 3.17 CI 95%: 1.59-6.34, p = 0.001) were associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

CONCLUSION

Self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders were common among mine workers, underscoring the need to invest in worker safety through ergonomic programs and workers' training on safety measures.