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

• Published in: International journal of environmental research and public health Vol. 19; no. 21; p. 13822
• Main Authors: Moyo, Dingani, Ncube, Ronald, Kavenga, Fungai, Chikwava, Lilian, Mapuranga, Tawanda, Chiboyiwa, Nathan, Chimunhu, Chipo, Mudzingwa, Frank, Muzvidziwa, Orippa, Ncube, Petronella, Mando, Tariro Christwish, Moyo, Florence, Chigaraza, Blessings, Masvingo, Hellen, Timire, Collins
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 24.10.2022; MDPI
• Subjects: Acquired immune deficiency syndrome; Adult; AIDS; Cross-Sectional Studies; Disease; Dust; Epidemics; Female; Gold; Health risks; HIV; HIV Infections - epidemiology; Human immunodeficiency virus; Humans; Immune system; Living conditions; Male; Medical tests; Miners; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational hazards; Occupational health; Overcrowding; Public health; Risk; Silica; Silica dust; Silicon Dioxide - adverse effects; Silicosis; Silicosis - epidemiology; Surveillance; Sustainable development; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis - epidemiology; Zimbabwe - epidemiology; Zimbabwe; Matabeleland; United States > US; Africa; silicosis; HIV; artisanal miners; silica exposures; silicotuberculosis
• ISSN: 1660-4601; 1661-7827; 1660-4601
• DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113822

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.