Association between Noise Exposure and Occupational Stress among Coal Miners

Detrimental occupational environmental exposure constitutes a significant external factor influencing occupational stress. This study aimed to examine the correlation between noise exposure and the risk of occupational stress in coal miners.

This cross-sectional study employed data from a specialized occupational health survey conducted in 2023 at a large-scale coal mine in Gansu Province, China, an industry distinguished by elevated noise exposure levels. A total of 447 qualified participants were included in the final analysis. The correlation between noise exposure and occupational stress was examined using binary logistic regression. A restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was utilized to investigate the dose-response connection between these two variables. Subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the association across various population strata.

This study indicates that the prevalence of occupational stress is 48.99%. Statistically significant differences were observed between the occupational stress group and the non-occupational stress group regarding age, gender, physical exercise, type of employment, duration of service, and noise exposure level (all P < 0.05). Following the adjustment for multiple confounding variables, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that noise exposure was a significant independent risk factor for occupational stress (P = 0.003). RCS analysis further confirmed a dose-response association between noise exposure and occupational stress, demonstrating that the risk of occupational stress rose progressively with escalating noise exposure intensity. Subgroup analysis not only validated this positive link but also established a robust correlation between noise exposure and occupational stress (odds ratio = 2.560, 95% confidence intervals: 1.550-4.230, P < 0.001).

This study's results indicate that prolonged noise exposure among coal miners correlates with an elevated risk of occupational stress. These findings may assist in formulating health management strategies for individuals with varying degrees of noise exposure.