Public Health and Occupational Safety Journal

Occupational safety and health hazards among artisanal and small-scale gold miners at Mazowe Jumbo Mine, Zimbabwe: A mixed-methods cross-sectional study

2025-10-22T11:23:15+07:00

Background: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) is associated with multiple occupational hazards that artisans are often unaware of.

Objectives: To identify the occupational hazards and risk factors among artisanal gold miners at Mazowe Jumbo mine, Zimbabwe.

Methods: The cross-sectional study employed Mixed-methods(Sep- Nov 2023). Purposive sampling of 34 miners from two sites (response rate was 100%). The interview was administered using questionnaires, structured interviews, field observations, and document review. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively (frequencies and proportions), and qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

Results: Heavy lifting was reported by 100% (34/34), manual handling by 91.2% (31/34), silica dust exposure by 91.2% (31/34), and contaminated water by 85.3% (29/34). Key risk factors included lack of PPE, financial pressure, and low OSH awareness. Field observations noted unsecured shafts, poor sanitation, and evidence of substance use on site.

Conclusions: ASG miners at Mazowe Jumbo Mine face multi-domain OSH hazards. We recommend targeted OSH training programmes, provision of PPE, improved sanitation, and monitoring/ formalization of ASGM activities.

Role of inter-institutional partnerships in promoting holistic employee wellness programs: A convergent mixed-methods study across three public universities in Metro Manila, Philippines

2025-07-27T23:18:58+07:00

Background: Employee wellness has become an increasingly essential concern in higher education; yet, many public universities continue to struggle with implementing comprehensive and sustainable wellness initiatives. Inter-institutional partnerships offer opportunities to strengthen these efforts through shared resources and coordinated programming.

Objectives: This study examined how such partnerships support the development of holistic employee wellness programs across three public universities in Metro Manila.

Methods: Using a convergent mixed-methods design, quantitative data were collected from 150 employees through an 18-item validated survey and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to assess institutional differences in awareness, participation, and perceived effectiveness. Qualitative data from six key informants were analyzed using grounded theory techniques to identify themes related to institutional practices and collaborative mechanisms.

Results: Findings indicated significant variations among institutions in employee awareness, participation levels, and perceptions of program effectiveness. Despite the availability of wellness initiatives, participation remained limited, mainly due to workload demands, time constraints, and scheduling challenges. Qualitative themes highlighted four central factors influencing the implementation of wellness: institutional support, holistic wellness orientation, program personalization, and persistent participation barriers. These themes helped explain why engagement levels differed among institutions.

Conclusions: Overall, inter-institutional collaboration contributes positively to wellness program development, but its impact depends on strong institutional support, program relevance, and clear communication. Enhancing coordination and tailoring activities to employee needs may improve future wellness outcomes.

Effects of theory-based education versus simulation-based training on knowledge and skills in managing shortness of breath among university health volunteers

2025-12-22T15:45:06+07:00

Background: First aid skills for respiratory emergencies, particularly shortness of breath, are crucial for university health volunteers who often serve as the first responders. However, theory-based learning alone is not always adequate for developing practical competencies.

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of theoretical education compared to the combination of theory and simulation in enhancing the knowledge and skills of university health volunteers in managing cases of shortness of breath.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-posttest design was conducted among 40 student volunteers of the Indonesian Red Cross Volunteer Corps (KSR-PMI), aged 18-20 years, who were equally assigned to a theory-only group or a theory-plus-simulation group. The intervention consisted of two 45-minute sessions. Knowledge and skills were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and the Mann–Whitney U Test with a significance level of α = 0.05.

Results: Knowledge significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.05), with no significant difference between them (p = 0.204). Skill performance improved markedly in the simulation group, increasing from 0% to 100%, compared with only 20% in the theory-only group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: While theoretical education effectively enhances knowledge, it is insufficient for developing practical skills. Integrating simulation-based training significantly improves psychomotor competence and better prepares university health volunteers to manage respiratory emergencies.