Predictors of health-related quality of life among semi-precious stone mineworkers exposed to silica dust

The influence of fatigue on work capacity and quality of life among miners with silicosis

Introduction

Factors associated with the mining environment can contribute to work accidents and reduced caution at work, which may affect the quality of life and work capacity of miners.

Objectives

To evaluate if fatigue influences quality of life and work capacity in miners with silicosis.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Northern Region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sociodemographic data and data on fatigue, work capacity, and quality of life were collected during the second half of 2017 and first half of 2018.

Results

All participants were men. Mean participant age was 52.6 (± 7.2) years, and most (70.4%) of them did not finish elementary school. The strongest correlations were found between the physical, overall, and total fatigue domains and the World Health Organization Quality of Life - BREF and between the total and mental fatigue domains and the Work Ability Index. Strong correlations were also found between overall and total fatigue and the total St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire score.

Conclusions

Silicosis and physical workload have a negative impact on respiratory quality of life and perception of fatigue among miners.

Measuring the Health Related Quality of Life and Economic Burden of Illness Among Migrant Workers With Pneumoconiosis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to evaluate the living status of migrant workers with pneumoconiosis (MWP) in China with regard to health-related quality of life (QOL) and economic burden of illness.

METHODS

An on-site investigation of 685 respondents in 7 provinces is conducted. Quality of life scores are derived using the self-made scale, and human capital method and disability-adjusted life year are applied to value the economic loss. Multiple linear regression and K-means clustering analysis are performed for further investigation.

RESULTS

Respondents have an overall lower QOL of 64.85 ± 7.04 and significant average loss of Ұ344.5 thousand per capita, where age and provincial heterogeneity generally exist. Pneumoconiosis stage and assistance condition are 2 significant predictors affecting MWP's living conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The evaluation of QOL and economic loss would contribute to the formulation of targeted countermeasures for MWP to enhance their well-being.

Predictors of psychological stress in silica-exposed workers in the artificial stone benchtop industry

Background and objective

Artificial stone benchtops are a popular kitchen product, but dust from their preparation and installation contains respirable crystalline silica, which causes silicosis. Silicosis is a preventable, permanent lung disease. The aim of this study was to assess mental health in workers from the artificial stone benchtop industry at risk of silicosis.

Methods

Workers from the artificial stone benchtop industry undergoing assessment for silica‐associated disease were included. Information on demographics; occupational, medical and smoking history; modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale; Perceived Stress Scale (PSS‐10) questionnaire; spirometry; and chest x‐ray was collected. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted.

Results

Of the 547 participants, the majority were men, aged under 45 years, in the industry for less than 10 years. With each increase of dyspnoea score, PSS‐10 scores increased. Higher PSS‐10 scores were also observed in those no longer in the industry, with a history of anxiety or depression, attending assessment early in the programme and a medium exposure duration. Participants who used an interpreter reported lower stress. No difference was observed across job title, age, sex, smoking, spirometry or chest x‐ray categories after multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

This study identified workers with dyspnoea as likely to report higher stress. Other factors, such as leaving the industry, early attendance and a history of anxiety or depression, are also helpful in identifying workers at risk of poorer mental health outcomes.

This study describes psychological stress scores in silica‐exposed workers from the artificial stone benchtop industry and identifies predictors of elevated stress.

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