- Title
- Mental health of the mining industry in Ghana and Australia
- Creator
- Asare-Doku, Winifred
- Relation
- University of Newcastle Research Higher Degree Thesis
- Resource Type
- thesis
- Date
- 2021
- Description
- Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Description
- Background The mining industry is a significant contributor to the economy of Ghana and Australia. Although employment is protective for mental health, the mining industry is however classified among the hazardous industries with potential negative consequences on the mental health of employees. The workplace therefore provides a unique opportunity to both recognize and promote an effective response to mental health problems. Aim The primary purpose of this thesis research was to understand mental health problems, the available support systems and report empirical data regarding mental health in the mining industry in Ghana and Australia. Additionally, it provided the opportunity to examine cross-cultural aspects of occupational mental health and the application of understandings across diverse geographic and cultural settings. Four studies were conducted to answer the research aim. The Job Demand-Control-Support (JDCS) and the Biopsychosocial Model of Health form the theoretical foundations supporting this research. Methods A mixed methods approach was used in this study. A cross-sectional quantitative survey (in English) and a qualitative study were conducted to answer the study questions. The Ghana Chamber of Mines (the minerals industry association) aided and facilitated introduction to mining companies in Ghana. Mining employees were invited to participate in the quantitative study and managers were invited to participate in the qualitative study. Pre-existing Australian coal data were also used for the study. Sociodemographic, work factors, work attitudes and help-seeking behaviour items were collected alongside validated measures of mental health-related symptoms including: the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index (SNI), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). A semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from managers at each mining company. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, logistic regression models, propensity score analysis and thematic analysis for the qualitative data. Results The first study result showed that few (N=7) mining companies had mental health support and interventions available to address mental health needs of employees. These interventions are categorised into organisational and individual-focused approaches. Whereas organisational approaches targeted interventions for large groups of employees, individual approaches used interventions to meet individual mental health needs. Study two examined the mental health, workplace factors and social network of Ghanaian mining employees. A total of 1165 employees from 5 mines in Ghana participated in the study, 87% male and 13% female. The survey response rate was 78%. Majority of the employees were aged 25-44 years with tertiary qualifications. Psychological distress was categorized as low (62.6%), moderate (24.3%), high (10.0%) and very high (3.2%). Shift type, psychosocial working conditions and financial factors were significantly associated with psychological distress. Job resources were equal or outweighed job demands. Five percent of the sample drank alcohol at risky or hazardous levels. A high proportion of social support reported was between medium to high (92%). Majority of participants consulted non-professional support to discuss their mental health problems more than professional support. Findings are partly in support of the JDCS model and the Biopsychosocial Model of Health as used in the thesis research. These models enhanced contextual understanding and applicability in cross-cultural settings. Study three compared the patterns of mental health problems, workplace factors and help-seeking behaviours between mining Ghana and Australia mining employees. There were a total of 2622 participants from Australia (N=1457) and Ghana (N=1165). Analysis showed there was no significant difference between countries on the K10, however, Ghanaian mining employees had increased odds of psychological distress and job demands outweighed job resources when compared to Australian mining employees. Ghanaian mining employees were significantly less likely to drink at risky levels than Australian mining employees. Social support was higher among the Ghanaian sample than the Australian sample. In the fourth study, semi-structured interviews were completed with 19 managers about their views on the factors that influence the mental health of employees and the available support systems. Thematic analysis identified five themes capturing the factors associated with mental health: personal factors; health factors; psychological distress; workplace factors; and resources. There was limited specific mental health intervention and support for employees; any form of mental health intervention was implied in other health activities organised by the mining company. Conclusion This research has made an original contribution to the body of knowledge on mental health of employees in the Ghanaian mining industry as the first and largest mental health study in the industry. The evidence presented in this thesis research suggests that a significant proportion of mining employees experience psychological distress arising from workplace factors with limited mental health support. It provides evidence towards the development of appropriate workplace interventions and strategies to assist in improving mental health in this population. A major strength of this thesis is the cross-cultural occupational mental health issues that were highlighted and the rare opportunity to understand global occupational mental health problems, which afforded the recommendation of effective solutions applicable in comparable settings. The implication of this thesis research identifies that mental health investment is limited and suggests increased focus on mental health from mining companies as part of the broader health and safety policy. This would assist in improving the mental health and well-being of employees.
- Subject
- mining; cross-cultural study; psychological distress; job demand and resources; mental health; thesis by publication
- Identifier
- http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1494550
- Identifier
- uon:53826
- Rights
- Copyright 2021 Winifred Asare-Doku
- Language
- eng
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