Analysis of quality of life of recyclable-material scavengers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Work conditions faced by those who handle waste and who are exposed to physical and psycho-social risks are factors influencing the quality of life of recyclable-material scavengers. Dangers deriving from the emergence of new, highly disseminated, epidemics/pandemics, such as COVID-19, add to adversities faced by scavengers. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to assess the quality of recyclable-material scavengers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ponta Grossa County, Paraná State. The sample comprised 83 participants linked to scavengers’ association in this county. Scavengers answered the questionnaire about quality of life developed by the World Health Organization, also known as Whoqol-bref. Findings in the current study have shown that mean quality of life in Whoqol-bref reached 72.0 points (0-100 scale). The ‘environment’ domain recorded 63.5 points and the “social relationships’ one scored 71.0 points. These were the domains accounting for the lowest mean scores. The ‘physical’ and ‘psychological’ domains recorded the highest scores, 78.6 and 74.4, respectively. Based on this finding, it was possible observing the need to keep on going and to develop further studies about scavengers’ health to provide them with treatments linked to psycho-social issues, mainly when they live under adverse conditions, rather than just as the COVID-19 pandemic, but under other risks faced by these professionals in their work environments.