Silicosis Treatment, Action, Screening and Surveillance in Rwanda Trials

Silicosis is the most prevalent occupational lung disease in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with "tens of millions" estimated to suffer from the disease according to the World Health Organization (WHO). To date, there is little published data on silicosis in LMICs and the burden of silicosis in Rwanda has not been well-defined. Silicosis among local mine workers is a common reason for hospitalization and death at Rwinkwavu District Hospital, located in Rwanda's Kayonza District. The objectives of this study are: 1. To assess the prevalence of silicosis among workers in four mines located in the Kayonza District of Rwanda 2. To adapt a validated screening tool testing in Dutch construction workers for Rwandan miners 3. To implement an occupational health education program and assess the change of before and after intervention that target towards proper use of PPE and individual risk assessment in mine workers using knowledge-attitudes-practice tool