The Triple Burden of Tuberculosis, Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Silicosis among Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners in Zimbabwe

Artisanal and small-scale mining is characterized by an excessive exposure to silica-containing dust, overcrowding, poor living conditions and limited access to primary health services. This poses a risk to tuberculosis, HIV infection and silicosis. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the b...

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Main Authors: Dingani Moyo, Ronald Ncube, Fungai Kavenga, Lilian Chikwava, Tawanda Mapuranga, Nathan Chiboyiwa, Chipo Chimunhu, Frank Mudzingwa, Orippa Muzvidziwa, Petronella Ncube, Tariro Christwish Mando, Florence Moyo, Blessings Chigaraza, Hellen Masvingo, Collins Timire
Other Authors: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Midlands State University, P Bag 9005, Gweru 054, Zimbabwe.Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, ZimbabweOccupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa.Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, The National University of Science and Technology, Bulawayo 029, Zimbabwe
Format: research article
Language:English
Published: PMCID 2022
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Online Access:https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/5292
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Summary:Artisanal and small-scale mining is characterized by an excessive exposure to silica-containing dust, overcrowding, poor living conditions and limited access to primary health services. This poses a risk to tuberculosis, HIV infection and silicosis. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the burden of tuberculosis, HIV and silicosis among artisanal and small-scale miners. We conducted a cross sectional study on 3821 artisanal and small-scale miners. We found a high burden of silicosis (19%), tuberculosis (6.8%) and HIV (18%) in a relatively young population, with the mean age of 35.5 years. Men were 1.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with silicosis compared to women, adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR = 1.75 (95% CI: 1.02-2.74)]. Artisanal and small-scale miners who were living with HIV were 1.25 times more likely to be diagnosed with silicosis compared to those who were negative, [aPR = 1.25 (1.00-1.57)]. The risk of silicosis increased with both duration as a miner and severity of exposure to silica dust. The risk of tuberculosis increased with the duration as a miner. Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a high burden of TB, silicosis and HIV among artisanal and small-scale miners. Multi-sectoral and innovative interventions are required to stem this triple epidemic in Zimbabwe.