Prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and associated risk factors in a mining workforce, Democratic Republic of Congo

Abstract

IntroductionThe burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the largest increase occurs in Africa. Obesity, diabetes mellitus and hypertension (ODH) are major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, causing nearly 18 million deaths worldwide. Various risks associated with mining as an occupational activity are implicated in NCDs' occurrence. This study describes the baseline prevalence of ODH and associated risk factors in the workforce of Tenke Fungurume Mining (TFM), in southern Democratic Republic of Congo.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 2,749 employees' and contractor's occupational health examination files for 2010. Socio-demographic, occupational, medical, anthropometric and behavioral characteristics were collected and assessed. Disease status regards ODH was based on WHO criteria. A multivariate logistic regression model was used.ResultsOverall prevalence of ODH was 4.5%, 11.7%, and 18.2% respectively. Proportions of pre-ODH individuals were 19.7%, 16.5%, and 47.8% respectively. Prevalence of ODH increased with age, professional grade, nature of work, gender and reported alcohol use. Smoking 10 or more cigarettes per day increased risk of diabetes and hypertension, while decreasing obesity.ConclusionRates of ODH and associated risk factors are higher in the TFM workforce, than in the general DRC population. This is likely reflective of other mining sites in the country and region. It is evident that ODH are associated with various socio-demographic, occupational, anthropometric, biomedical and behavioral risk factors. A NCD prevention program and close monitoring of disease and risk factors trends are needed in this population.

Increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension with associated risk factors in a mine-based workforce, Democratic Republic of Congo

“…The objective of this study was to measure trends in ODH prevalence over time and to identify important risk factors contributing to changes in prevalence in the study population. This study [14]. Like another study on office workers in Kinshasa [19], the present study showed that mine workforce is also a high-risk occupational group for NCDs associated with high prevalence of ODH risk factors.…”

“…Like another study on office workers in Kinshasa [19], the present study showed that mine workforce is also a high-risk occupational group for NCDs associated with high prevalence of ODH risk factors. Without intervention, the percentage of pre-obese (19.7%), prediabetic (16.5%), and pre-hypertensive (47.8%) individuals identified in the 2010 baseline study are predicted to transition to full ODH status eventually, thus increasing the burden of NCDs on workforce productivity and society as a whole [14].…”

“…From 2010 to 2014, the prevalence of overweight in adults aged 18 and over in the DRC increased from 18.8 to 20.6%, while obesity rates rose from 3.7 to 4.4% [4]. Results from the 2010 baseline study on ODH in the TFM workforce found a BMI obesity prevalence of 4.5% [14].…”

“…Findings from the TFM baseline data are highly suggestive of the significant burden of ODH and their associative risk factors among mining workers. Additionally, the proportions of pre-obese (19.7%), pre-diabetic (16.5%), and pre-hypertensive individuals (47.8%) indicated that without significant interventions to curb the epidemic, a significant increase in the prevalence of ODH in this population would occur over time [14].…”

A study on work characteristics and morbidity pattern of coal mine workers in South India

“…15 Also in the study done by Mawaw et al on 2749 mine workers shows the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes as 18.2% and 11.7% respectively. 16 Prevalence of chronic respiratory symptoms in Bhelkar et al is lower than our study which is 21.56%. 13 Prevalence of peptic ulcer in coal mine workers in our study shows 2.84% and which are seen only in an underground coal mine workers may be due to stress and irregular food habits which is lower than a study conducted by Zahorski et al among 9361 coal mine workers shows the prevalence of peptic ulcer disease as 7.92%.…”