Abstract
Background: Zimbabwe is one of the countries with a high employment percentage in the small-scale mining sector. The study examined socio-demographic, environmental and occupational exposures impacts on miners. Objective: This study sought to understand the factors associated with Tuberculosis (TB) infection in small-scale gold mines in Insiza District, Zimbabwe. Method: A case-control study was conducted in Insiza District, Zimbabwe where there are several small-scale gold mines. Data was collected using questionnaires from 441 participants. Cases (n=211) were individuals who had been diagnosed with TB in 2019-2020 and controls (n=230) were individuals not diagnosed with TB –in the same years. Data were was analysed using SPSS V-26 and EPINFO 7.2. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and 95% CI were used to report relationships. Results: Most participants (73%) were aged between 50–59 years, those with high school education (48.8%) were more than those with other education levels, and about half of the participants were employed (53.2%). Participants aged 50–59 years were more likely to have TB; Crude OR 3.85, 95% CI (1.94–7.65) and AOR 4.18, 95% CI (2.00-8.72). Participants who smoked were more likely to have TB; OR 1.56, 95% CI (1.06–2.29). Participants using wood for cooking were more likely to test positive for TB; Crude OR 2.48, 95% CI (1.68–3.66) and AOR 2.20, 95% CI (1.42-3.40). Participants using crop residue for heating for 4-6 hours were more likely to test positive for TB; OR 3.57, 95% CI (1.89–6.75) and AOR 5.70, 95% CI (2.29-14.18). Participants using cow dung for cooking were more likely to test positive for TB; OR 1.82, 95% CI (1.22–2.72) and AOR 1.92, 95% CI (1.08-3.41). Participants using cow dung for heating for 4-6 hours were more likely to test positive for TB; OR 2.12, 95% CI (1.10–4.10). Participants who had been exposed to Silica dust were more likely to test positive for TB; OR 1.86, 95% CI (1.27–2.72). Conclusions: The understanding of these specific risk factors for the occurrence of TB in the Insiza District is the foundation of better health promotion and interventions that will prevent further TB infections. For primary health care facilities to be set up, workers should be given regular health education, particularly on TB. Keywords: Socio-demographic, environmental exposures, occupational exposures, Insiza District.
M.A. (Public Health)