Journal article
Unequal burdens of work stress and psychological distress among artisanal gold miners in Ghana
Geopsychiatry, Vol.4, pp.1-9
12/2026
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Abstract
Background: Work stress is a significant but understudied social determinant of mental health, particularly among artisanal and small-scale gold miners who work under hazardous and insecure conditions. These workers may be especially vulnerable to psychological distress, yet empirical evidence from Africa, particularly Ghana remains limited.
Aims: This study examined the association between work stress and psychological distress among artisanal gold miners in Ghana, assessed the moderating roles of age, work experience, and migration status, and explored the mediating effects of food insecurity, sleep problems, and comorbidities.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 664 artisanal miners (mean age = 29.1 years, SD = 7.8; 83.7% male). Work stress was measured using the 4-item Job Content Questionnaire, and psychological distress using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10). Multivariable ordinary least squares regression, and mediation analysis were performed.
Results: After full adjustment for relevant covariates, higher work stress was significantly and positively associated with higher psychological distress (B = 0.78, 95% CI [0.71–0.86]). This association was marked among miners aged 36 years and older (B = 1.25, 95% CI [1.15–1.35]), migrant miners (B = 1.12, 95% CI [1.02–1.22]), and those with shorter work experience (B = 1.22, 95% CI [1.13–1.32]). Mediation analysis indicated that food insecurity (56.91%) and sleep problems (0.83%) significantly mediated the association between work stress and psychological distress, whereas comorbidities did not.
Conclusions: Findings highlight how occupational stress, food insecurity, and sleep problems interact to shape psychological distress among informal mine workers. Addressing these modifiable social and occupational determinants is essential for improving mental health and promoting equity among vulnerable working populations in Ghana and similar contexts.
Details
- Title
- Unequal burdens of work stress and psychological distress among artisanal gold miners in Ghana
- Creators
- Emmanuel Nyaaba - The University of British Columbia (Canada, BC)Felix Asante - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyKabila Abass - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyMerien Salifu kanton - Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development StudiesGloria Katika Agampim - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyLawrence Guodaar - Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and TechnologyRazak M. Gyasi - African Population and Health Research Center
- Publication Details
- Geopsychiatry, Vol.4, pp.1-9
- Publisher
- Elsevier B.V.
- Identifiers
- 991013390750902368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Authors.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article