Work-related stress and sleep problems among small-scale miners in Ghana: The role of psychological factors

We examined the association between work-related stress (WRS) and sleep problems (SP) among small-scale miners in Ghana and explored the mediating roles of anxiety and depression in this association. Data were drawn from 664 miners in Obuasi. WRS and SP were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0), respectively, while anxiety and depression were measured using the GAD-7 and PHQ-9. Adjusted multivariate regressions and bootstrapped serial mediation models (Hayes PROCESS Model 6) evaluated the hypothesized pathways. The mean (SD) age was 28.8 (8.2) years and 84.3% were males. WRS was significantly associated with SP (B = 0.2964, 95% CI = 0.2398-0.3530), with both direct (42.5%) and indirect (57.5%) effects. Anxiety mediated 38.0% of the total effect, depression 11.4%, and the anxiety-depression pathway 8.1%. Findings suggest that anxiety and depressive symptoms substantially mediate the WRS-SP relationship. Addressing occupational stress and integrating mental health support into workplace policies may enhance sleep quality and overall well-being among small-scale miners.