# The influence of fatigue on work capacity and quality of life among miners with silicosis

## TL;DR

This study explores how fatigue affects the work capacity and quality of life of miners with silicosis in Brazil.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific correlations between fatigue domains and quality of life/work ability in miners with silicosis.

## Key findings

- Physical and total fatigue strongly correlate with lower quality of life scores.
- Mental fatigue is closely linked to reduced work ability.
- Silicosis and physical workload worsen respiratory quality of life and increase fatigue.

## Abstract

Factors associated with the mining environment can contribute to work accidents and
reduced caution at work, which may affect the quality of life and work capacity of
miners.

To evaluate if fatigue influences quality of life and work capacity in miners with
silicosis.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Northern Region of the state of Rio
Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sociodemographic data and data on fatigue, work capacity, and
quality of life were collected during the second half of 2017 and first half of
2018.

All participants were men. Mean participant age was 52.6 (± 7.2) years, and most
(70.4%) of them did not finish elementary school. The strongest correlations were found
between the physical, overall, and total fatigue domains and the World Health
Organization Quality of Life – BREF and between the total and mental fatigue domains and
the Work Ability Index. Strong correlations were also found between overall and total
fatigue and the total St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score.

Silicosis and physical workload have a negative impact on respiratory quality of life
and perception of fatigue among miners.