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

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 and Collins Timire
Additional contact information
Dingani Moyo: Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Ronald Ncube: The Union Zimbabwe Trust, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Fungai Kavenga: Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Lilian Chikwava: Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Tawanda Mapuranga: The Union Zimbabwe Trust, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Nathan Chiboyiwa: Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Chipo Chimunhu: Jointed Hands Welfare Organization, Gweru 054, Zimbabwe
Frank Mudzingwa: Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Zimbabwe, Harare 054, Zimbabwe
Orippa Muzvidziwa: Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Petronella Ncube: Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Tariro Christwish Mando: Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Florence Moyo: Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Blessings Chigaraza: Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Hellen Masvingo: Baines Occupational Health Services, Harare 024, Zimbabwe
Collins Timire: Ministry of Health and Child Care, Harare 024, Zimbabwe

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 21, 1-14

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: artisanal miners; silicosis; silicotuberculosis; HIV; silica exposures (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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