Burden of Mental Health Outcomes and Job Burnout Among Coal Mine Workers and Synthesis of Intervention Measures: A Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis

Coal mining is a hazardous occupation that can adversely affect both the physical and mental health of workers. This study aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of various mental health outcomes and job burnout among coal miners and to summarize available intervention strategies addressing these conditions. A systematic search of scientific databases, including Scopus, Embase, PubMed and Cochrane Central, was conducted for studies published from 2000 onwards. The study protocol was registered in PROSPERO [CRD42024536144]. Methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using AXIS, ROBINS-I and RoB 2 tools. A random-effects model was applied to estimate pooled prevalences. Of the 14,048 studies identified, 34 studies were included, comprising a total of 38,996 coal miners. The pooled prevalence of job burnout was 53.75% (95% CI: 50.64–56.86%), while depressive symptoms were observed in 35.35% of coal miners (95% CI: 16.43–54.28%; I2 = 97.41%). The pooled prevalence estimates were calculated with substantial heterogeneity (I2 > 90%) and wide prediction intervals indicate considerable variability across studies. These findings should be interpreted with caution due to substantial heterogeneity across studies, which may limit the reliability of pooled estimates. A limited number of studies reported interventions, including an Integrated Approach of Yoga Therapy (IAYT) and peer-based mental health and suicide prevention programs with supervisor training, which demonstrated potential benefits; however, these findings are based on limited and methodologically heterogeneous evidence, and the overall certainty remains low. The findings highlight a substantial burden of mental health problems among coal miners and suggest important policy implications, particularly for integrating mental health screening into periodic occupational health assessments. Addressing personal, social, and work-related determinants through comprehensive workplace strategies may help improve mental well-being and support workforce sustainability in the mining sector.