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Abstract; Background: Work-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. Methods: Cross sectional data was collected using a modified Nordic questionnaire and upper limb Core QX checklist from 196 workers of a gold mine. 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. All analysis were performed in Stata 14 software.Results: Most 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 WRMSDs during the previous 12 months. WRMSDs with highest occurrence rate were the lower back pain (24.6%), followed by thighs/hip pain (15.3%) and shoulder pain (13.6%). Prolonged heavy lifting/shovelling shovelling (PR = 2.26, 95% CI [1.32, 3.86] and longer work shifts (> 9hrs) (PR = 3.43, 95% CI [1.98, 12.03]) were predictive for WRMSDs while jobs with low demands were protective against WRMSDs (PR = 0.26, 95% CI [0.16, 0.42]).Conclusion: The 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. |
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