Prevalence and work-related risk factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders among miners at Kalumbila Mine, Kalumbila District Zambia

Abstract

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. Therefore, the study sought to examine risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among mineworkers at Kalumbila mine in Zambia. Method: 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. Stata 17 was used to analyse the data and the descriptive analysis was used to determine the prevalence and types of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders were identified using simple and multiple logistic regression. The level of significance was set at 0.05 and confidence level at 95%. Results: The study revealed 274/356 (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%), whereas the lowest level of discomfort was reported in the left thigh 10 (2.8%), left forearm 11 (3.1%) and left foot 13 (3.6%). In the multivariable analysis, secondary education (AOR 2.03 CI 95%: 1.02 - 4.05, p=0.044), not taking any breaks while working (AOR 0.10 CI 95%: 0.01 - 0.86, p=0.036), and operating machinery causing whole-body vibration (AOR 3.0 CI 95%: 1.52-5.95, p=0.002) were associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Conclusion: Self-reported work-related musculoskeletal disorders were common among miners, underscoring the need to invest in worker safety through ergonomic programs and workers' training on safety measures.