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

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

doi:10.3390/ijerph16142618

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.

Highlights

Poverty and unemployment have driven many individuals to seek income opportunities in the informal economy [1,2]
Twenty-nine (29) study participants were excluded due to the provision of incomplete information for the SRQ-20 component of the survey questionnaire, which is mandatory for the diagnosis of common mental disorders (CMD)
The findings of the study indicate that the prevalence of CMD among waste pickers in the study settings in Johannesburg is high and associated with being female, a smoker, and having a poor quality of life

Summary

Introduction

Poverty and unemployment have driven many individuals to seek income opportunities in the informal economy [1,2]. Waste picking is a type of informal employment that occurs worldwide. There are approximately 15 million waste pickers. Regardless of their visibility and contribution to the environmental and economy sustainability in most cities, these waste pickers are overlooked [3]. Owing to the nature of their work, waste pickers may be exposed to a range of health hazards, including degraded food waste, sharp objects, and products containing toxic metals, such as lead and mercury [4,5]. In addition to physical hazards, waste pickers may experience psychological symptoms [1,2]. A study done in South Africa has highlighted the association between

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