Common Mental Health Disorders among Informal Waste Pickers in Johannesburg, South Africa 2018—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Waste-picking is an income generating opportunity for many living in poverty and a great contributor to environmental stability. Waste pickers have most of the risk factors associated with common mental disorders (CMD), such as poverty, work related stress and poor living conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of CMD among waste pickers. Method: A cross-sectional study analysed secondary data of 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. Results: The overall prevalence of CMD among waste pickers was 37.3%. The odds of having CMD were 2.5 and 3.2 higher in female waste pickers 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.Conclusion: 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.