Men and women waste pickers on landfills in Johannesburg, South Africa: divergence in health, and socioeconomic status

Kerry S. Wilson, Tahira Kootbodien, Felix Made, Simbulele Mdleleni, Nonhlanhla Tlotleng, Vusi Ntlebi, Nisha Naicker

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: To investigate gender differences in health in informal waste pickers affected by poverty and multiple environmental and work hazards. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at two major landfill sites in a large city. Information on health, work hazards and health care access as well as blood pressure, blood glucose, cholesterol and BMI were measured. Results: A total of 361 waste pickers participated in the survey. The women interviewed earned on average 22% less per month than the men waste pickers. The women presented with worse chronic health outcomes (OR 2.69 95% CI 1.51–4.78) and signs of chronic disease (OR 1.73 95% CI 1.02–2.96) compared to men despite showing greater health-seeking behaviours. Conclusion: Women waste pickers suffer worse health outcomes, such as lifestyle diseases and HIV. Further research is needed to identify the factors involved. Responsive programs supporting health care, improved working conditions and income for waste pickers may also improve their health.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)351-363
Number of pages13
JournalInternational Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Volume95
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

Keywords

  • Chronic disease
  • Health
  • Informal economy
  • Landfill
  • Waste picker
  • Women

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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