Prevalence and predictors of stress, anxiety and depression-related symptoms among mining workers in Ontario, Canada

The impact of mental illness on workplaces is well established, and the increased risk that poor mental health presents is cause for concern, notably, in workplaces where injuries can lead to serious harm or death, such as is often the case in male-dominated industrial settings. Although these consequences are well documented, research specific to mining industry workers remains negligible. Findings are nonetheless compelling, as they seem to reflect higher rates of mental health-related symptoms among mining workers. Further research is needed to better understand and improve the mental health and well-being of mining workers and mitigate these risks. Background Workers in male-dominated industries have been found to be at greater risk for mood and anxiety disorders, and the limited existing literature depicts higher rates of mental illness among mining workers specifically. Determining the prevalence of various mental health problems and identifying factors that contribute to poor mental health in this workforce is therefore crucial. In Canada, specifically, research on this topic remains especially limited despite the mining industry’s importance as a major employer of Canadians and a significant contributor to the economy. As part of a larger project that seeks to better understand the mental health and well-being of workers employed by an international mining company in Ontario, Canada, the aims of this study were twofold. The first objective was to determine the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms among these workers. The second objective was to identify demographic, psychosocial and health-related factors and work-related factors associated with stress, anxiety and depression symptoms for this workforce. Methods A total of 2,224 mining workers across 25 worksites at one company in Ontario, Canada completed a self-reported survey. The perceived stress scale (PSS), the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) and the Beck depression inventory II (BDI-II) were used to determine the prevalence of stress, anxiety and depression symptoms, respectively. In addition, the survey instrument included demographic questions, as well as assessments of psychosocial and health-related factors associated with stress, anxiety and depression, such as relationships, burnout, substance use and various aspects of the work environment and conditions, to name a few. Results and discussion The prevalence of depression symptoms (12.5 percent) and anxiety (5.9 percent) in this sample were found to be higher than in the working-age Canadian population, and multiple regression analyses revealed many shared predictors for stress, anxiety and depression symptoms. The demographic, psychosocial and health-related predictors can be classified into four main categories: (1) individual characteristics, (2) interpersonal relationships, (3) lifestyle and (4) the overlap between physical and mental health. Work-related predictors were also grouped into four categories: (1) work schedule and demands, (2) effort-reward imbalance, and recognition and reward, (3) job insecurity and job satisfaction and (4) the physical and psychological work environment. A comprehensive overview of all categories of predictors is presented in Fig. 1. Age was found to be a significant predictor of stress, anxiety and depression, which is unsurprising because mental health problems are typically higher in younger adults, peak in the working-age population, and decrease in the latter stages of one’s career. Moreover, these findings were consistent with other mining worker mental health and well-being studies. Gender differences were also expected, because many mood and anxiety disorders have a higher prevalence among women. In our study population, more women than men had scores reflective of anxiety and depression. However, average scores were higher for male workers than for female workers. The combination of a smaller female population within a workforce of predominantly male workers who have already been found to have a higher predisposition for mental health problems could explain why the differences between prevalence rates are on the lower end of the typical ratios between women and men. Additional individual characteristics that were found to be significant predictors include level of education and income, which are known to be important determinants of mental health. Our analyses also revealed that support from superiors and colleagues, as well as relationship satisfaction had a protective effect for mental health. Marital status was also found to be an important predictor for stress, anxiety and depression, with higher symptom prevalence among workers identifying as separated, which is consistent with findings elsewhere in the mining-specific mental health literature. It is well established that lifestyle choices affect health. In our study, alcohol consumption was a significant predictor of stress, while drug use significantly predicted anxiety. This is consistent with other mining-specific research findings. The literature also suggests that elevated drug and alcohol use is a more widespread problem in mining in general. Although prevalence of problematic alcohol and drug consumption was not the focus of this paper, it was assessed as part of this study, and findings are consistent with this hypothesis. Having experienced a work-related injury or having been diagnosed with a physical health problem during the last year and taking medication for a physical health problem also negatively impacted worker mental health in our study population. Although physical and mental health are interrelated, they continue to be treated as separate entities. Seeking to improve the mental health of workers requires acknowledging that their physical health is a contributing factor to their mental health and overall well-being, and vice versa. In addition to these health-related and psychosocial factors, several work-related factors impacted worker mental health. Notably, work-life balance was found to be conducive to better mental health, and an imbalance between effort and reward affected mental health negatively. Noteworthy in this context is that there are numerous labor groups (for example, staff, multiple unions) within this organization, therefore incentive programs vary tremendously. As a result, while some workers’ mental health may be impacted negatively by their overcommitment to receive incentive pay, for instance, others may be feeling inadequately rewarded due to the absence of any such incentive pay program. Fig. 1 A comprehensive overview of all categoriesof predictors. Issues of job security and job satisfaction were also detrimental to worker well-being, which is also consistent with the literature. Finally, the hazardous nature of mining was associated with higher stress and anxiety among workers, and issues of discrimination, bullying and harassment were detrimental to worker wellbeing, whereas an organizational culture fostering civility and respect were conducive to better mental health outcomes. Conclusion Our study findings illustrate the importance of recognizing the multidimensionality of health. Mental health problems are undoubtedly the result of a number of interrelated factors, which include mental, physical and social components in addition to demographic and workplace-specific factors. To improve the mental health and well-being of mining workers, each of these factors must be considered. References A list of all references is available in the full paper.

Prevalence and predictors of stress, anxiety and depression-related symptoms among mining workers in Ontario, Canada

Authored by: Caroline Dignar, Michel Larivière, Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, Nancy Lightfoot, Zsuzsanna Kerekes, and Line Tremblay

To view this article you must be a member of SME/UCA.

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

To view this article you must be a member of SME/UCA.

In the nexus of the coal mining industry and transition to sustainability: A comprehensive bibliometric analysis

Tunnel overbreak prediction: An integrated approach using 3D photogrammetry and machine learning

Related Articles

Rare earth elements in the global economy: Usage, recovery and the quest for supply security — A review

A systematic evaluation of localization signals in the advancing openpit mine Aitik

From foundation to future: Revisiting AI integration in mining engineering education through current perspectives of students, educators and industry

Iron ore tailings reprocessing by electrostatic separation plus two-stage froth flotation

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 74

Caterpillar Announces Leadership Transition in Resource Industries

Copper squeeze breathes new life into old mines

Use Single Sign On