Health Status and Occupational Risks in Nepali Informal Waste Workers

Abstract

TPS 721: Low and middle income countries: e-waste, occupational health, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 27, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Health Status and Occupational Risks in Nepali Informal Waste Workers Objective To assess the health needs and occupational risks for informal waste workers (IWWs) in Kathmandu valley. Methods: A cross sectional survey of 1278 informal waste workers using a bespoke standardised demographic health assessment questionnaire was conducted using face to face interviews. A non-probability sampling method was used with a snowball sampling approach. Using standard sampling size calculator, a 4% precision level was used with an anticipated 50% risk factor prevalence with a 50% confidence interval. Results: In 1278 surveyed, 33% reported being ill in the previous three months with respiratory ailments the most common. Respondents identified injury (81.2%), lungs/breathing problems (38.9%) and infections (24.9%) as the main occupational health risks. Two-thirds of respondents had been injured at work in the past 12 months, with a median of 3 injuries. Most common injuries were glass (44.5%) and metal cuts (44.1%). Less than half had been vaccinated against tetanus and 7.5% for Hepatitis B. 70.3% said they sought treatment as soon as possible but 2% delayed seeking treatment by more than 24 hours. Twenty five percent did not know how to protect themselves against these risks while 73% said their job was risky. Males had twice the odds of not using PPE compared to women (OR 2.19; p <0.001). Indian IWWs had 1.35 odds of not using PPE compared to Nepali IWWs (OR 1.35; p=0.018). The likelihood of not using PPE increased with age: OR of 1.72 (p=0.005) for those aged 40-54 years of age and 2.97 (p=0.007) for IWWs over 55 years old. Conclusion: IWWs had increased injury risk but were poorly protected with regards to vaccine protection and PPE. This study provides a baseline to assess intervention effectiveness and is the largest of its kind.