- Title
- Mental health and workplace factors: comparison of the Ghanaian and Australian mining industry
- Creator
- Winifred, Asare-Doku; Jane, Rich Louise; Brian, Kelly; Amponsah-Tawiah, Kwesi; Carole, James
- Relation
- BMC Health Services Research Vol. 22, Issue 1, no. 322
- Publisher Link
- http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-07712-0
- Publisher
- BioMed Central Ltd.
- Resource Type
- journal article
- Date
- 2022
- Description
- Background: Mining is a global industry and contributes significantly to international economies. This study seeks to compare the patterns of psychological distress, job demand-control, and associated characteristics between two countries (Australia/Ghana) to increase understanding of cross-cultural factors relevant to mental health in this industry. Method: A cross-sectional study design was used. Eight coal mines in Australia and five gold mines in Ghana. A total of 2622 mineworkers participated in this study. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI) and help-seeking questionnaire. Results: Ghanaian mineworkers reported increased psychological distress compared to Australian mineworkers; Job demands outweighed control among Ghanaian mineworkers but was associated with lower risk of psychological distress compared to Australian mineworkers; Ghanaian mineworkers were significantly less likely to drink alcohol at risky levels but this was associated with higher psychological distress; Increased social network was associated with decreased psychological distress for both countries. Conclusions: These findings identify cultural and geographical differences in the socio-demographics, workplace factors, psychological distress, and alcohol use in both countries. Cross-cultural occupational workplace factors and mental health issues are highlighted. Potential workplace interventions applicable in comparable settings are recommended.
- Subject
- mining; mental health; psychological distress; workplace; alcohol; job demand; SDG 3; SDG 17; Sustainable Development Goals
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1497945
- Identifier
- uon:54462
- Identifier
- ISSN:1472-6963
- Language
- eng
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