Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms of Toxic and Dust Etiology in Underground Coal Miners and Factors Affecting It

Introduction. Occupational morbidity among coal miners accounts for 70–80% of the total occupational morbidity rate in Ukraine. Identifying the role of factors contributing to the development of respiratory symptoms and diseases caused by dust and toxic substances in miners is extremely important in the prevention of pathology. Aim. To investigate the prevalence and role of risk factors for respiratory symptoms and diseases among miners in underground coal mines in Ukraine. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among mining industry workers. The study included a random sample of 592 active and 473 former miners. A standardized questionnaire of ATS was used to collect information on demographics, occupational route, length of service in underground conditions, and respiratory symptoms. Results. The prevalence of breathlessness (35.6%) and chronic bronchitis (18.1%) in the group of ex-miners was higher compared to active miners (5.1% and 13.9% respectively). A statistically significant exposure–response relationship was observed between length of service in mine and chronic bronchitis (P=0.0001) and also breathlessness (P=0.005) in ex-miners. The length of service at the coal face was related with breathlessness and chronic bronchitis among active miners (P=0.007 та P=0.097 respectively). Conclusions. Poor sanitary and hygienic working conditions lead to the risk of respiratory diseases development in underground coal miners. The factors that influence the prevalence of respiratory symptoms are: age of workers, length of service in underground conditions and length of service in a coal face. There was evidence of a downward shift in the prevalence of respiratory symptoms in miners due to the Healthy Worker Effect and Healthy Worker Survivor Effect.