Abstract
BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a major constraint to worker performance and health. However, research on their prevalence and associated factors among workers at gold mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is insufficient. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and predictors of WRMSDs among workers of a Gold Mine in South Kivu, DRC.MethodsCross sectional data on prevalence of WRMSDs and risk factors was collected using a modified Nordic questionnaire and upper limb Core QX checklist from 196 workers of a gold mine. WRMSDs were defined as pain or injury(ies) or discomfort, numbness or limitation of movement in the musculoskeletal system at any time in the past 12 months which lasted at least 24 h. These had to be either induced or aggravated by work and circumstances of its performance. A generalised linear model of the Poison family with link log and robust error variances was used to generate prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the factors associated with WRMSDs. The effect of individual, ergonomic and psychosocial factors on WRMSDs were investigated while controlling for known confounders.ResultsMost workers were males 187 (95.4%) and their age ranged between 23 and 60 years with mean of 36.3 years. Of the 196 workers, 49 (25.0%) reported having at least one WRMSD during the previous 12 months. WRMSDs with highest occurrence rate were the lower back pain (14.8%), followed by thighs/hip pain (9.2%) and shoulder pain (8.2%). Prolonged heavy lifting/shovelling shovelling (PR = 1.69, 95% CI [1.32, 3.24] and longer work shifts (> 9 h) (PR = 3.56, 95% CI [1.76, 16.58]) were predictive for WRMSDs while jobs with low demands were protective against WRMSDs (PR = 0.18, 95% CI [0.08, 0.44]).ConclusionThe prevalence of WRMSDs is high and associated with prolonged heavy lifting/shovelling, longer work shifts and job demands. We recommend lowering workload and job demands and improving work ergonomics to mitigate and prevent the WRMSDs among workers in goldmines.
Highlights
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a major constraint to worker performance and health
The prevalence of WRMSDs obtained in this study was similar to what has been previously reported among workers in the industrial sector which includes mining in Africa [12]
The results showed no significant association between age and reporting a WRMSD which is in agreement with previous studies [39, 40]
Summary
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a major constraint to worker performance and health. Research on their prevalence and associated factors among workers at gold mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is insufficient. MSDs affect all parts of the body with the back, neck and shoulders and upper limbs accounting for more than 50% of cases [1,2,3] They have negative impacts on quality of life such as workrelated disability as well as substantial financial implications related to medical expenses and workers’ compensation [4]. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) resulting from occupational activities present a bigger problem than usually estimated [8, 9]. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has estimated that WRMSDs are understated by at least a factor of two based on studies and experience [10]
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