Common mental health disorders among informal waste pickers in johannesburg, south africa 2018—a cross-sectional study

Matimba Makhubele, Khuliso Ravhuhali, Lazarus Kuonza, Angela Mathee, Spo Kgalamono, Felix Made, Nohlanhla Tlotleng, Tahira Kootbodien, Vusi Ntlebi, Kerry Wilson, Nisha Naicker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Waste-picking is an income-generating opportunity for individuals living in poverty. Waste picking is associated with a range of risk factors for common mental disorders (CMD). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with CMD among waste pickers in Johannesburg. A cross-sectional study analyzed secondary data for 365 waste pickers. A validated Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) was used to assess CMD. Multivariable logistic regression was fitted to identify factors associated with CMD. The overall prevalence of CMD among waste pickers was 37.3%. The odds of having CMD were 2.5 and 3.2 higher in females and cigarette smokers, respectively (p = 0.019 and p = 0.003). Life enjoyment (Adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.54, p = 0.02) and a good quality of life (aOR 0.34, p ≤ 0.001) were associated with lower odds of CMD. The high prevalence of CMD among waste pickers was significantly associated with cigarette smoking, being female, not enjoying life, and a poor quality of life. Mental health awareness of CMD will assist with the prevention, early detection, and comprehensive management of CMD among waste pickers.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2618
JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Volume16
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Jul 2019

Keywords

  • Common mental disorders
  • Landfill sites
  • Waste pickers

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pollution
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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