Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Workers at Erdenet Mining Corporation

Abstract

Background: Researchers have identified that occupational exposures related to mining operations-such as dust, noise, and vibration—can increase the risk of developing occupational diseases, including pneumoconiosis, hearing loss, and spinal injuries, as well as noncommunicable conditions such as hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Work-related stress, living away from family, reliance on portable food services, and shift work systems also contribute to weight gain and negatively affect endocrine function. Aim: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and noncommunicable diseases among employees of Erdenet Mining Corporation. Materials and methods: A total of 303 employees from 15 divisions of Erdenet Mining Corporation participated in the study. Participants included employees with 10–20 years or more of service; 15% were female, and 75% were technical workers. Employees belonging to high-risk groups for noncommunicable diseases were selected using a purposive sampling method. Results: When analyzing body mass index (BMI) by occupation, overweight or obesity was found among 79.2% of service workers, 65% of electricians, 100% of fuel distributors, 77.8% of decorators, 75.5% of mechanics, 94.7% of specialists, 86.4% of professional workers, 75.7% of operators and engineers, and 88.9% of administrative staff. Central obesity was also analyzed by job position, revealing that 79.2% of service workers, 60% of laboratory staff, 35% of electricians, 64.9% of operators and engineers, and 66.7% of administrative employees had central obesity. Among all participants, 20.7% had a previous history of cardiovascular disease, of whom 71.4% were male and 28.6% were female. The mean blood glucose level among participants was 6.0 mmol/L, with a median of 5.6 mmol/L, a minimum of 3.9 mmol/L, and a maximum of 18.3 mmol/L. The median glucose level was 0.2 mmol/L lower than the national average. No statistically significant difference in blood glucose levels was found between males and females (p = 0.135). By job position, elevated blood glucose levels (prediabetic range) were found in 62.5% of service workers, 40% of laboratory staff, 35% of electricians, 71.4% of managers, and 55.6% of administrative employees. Conclusion: The findings indicate an increasing trend in metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors among employees of Erdenet Mining Corporation SOE.