The Prevalence and Work‐Related Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Miners at Kalumbila Mine, Kalumbila District Zambia: A Cross‐Sectional Study
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. Aim The study examined risk factors of...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Health Science Reports |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.70907 |
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| Summary: | 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. 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. |
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| ISSN: | 2398-8835 |