Prevalence and factors associated with musculoskeletal disorders amongst workers of Twangiza Gold Mine in South Kivu, The Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

Background: Mining is a hazardous activity often associated with high rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). However, there is paucity of information on the prevalence and factors associated with WMSDs amongst gold miners in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with MSDs amongst workers of Twangiza Gold Mine (TMSA) in South Kivu, the DRC. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the DRC amongst workers of TMSA. A total of 276 workers were selected using stratified random sampling according to department and interviewed using self-administered questionnaires adopted and modified from existing surveys on musculoskeletal disorders. Data were captured using Microsoft excel and analyzed using Stata 14.0. Factors associated with WMSDs were identified by logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of WMSDs was 25.0 %( 49/276). The most affected body part was low back at 23.02 %( 29/126). The factors significantly associated with reporting a WMSD included heavy/frequent lifting/lowering/shoveling (adjusted odd ratios; AOR 6.00 95%CI: 1.44-24.97) and being older (AOR 3.95 95%CI: 1.19-13.04). Jobs with low demands were protective (AOR 0.05 95% CI: 0.01-0.15). Conclusion: WMSDs is prevalent amongst workers of TMSA. The associated factors need to be considered in order to develop appropriate interventions to reduce the prevalence of WMSDs amongst the workers of TMSA.