Health Impact of the Waste Pickers in the Sanitary Landfill, Warinchamrab Municipality, Ubonratchathani Province.

Abstract

This research  aims to study the health impact related to physical, mental and social of the waste pickers in the sanitary landfill, Warinchamrab Municipality Ubonratchathani Provinnce. There were 101 waste pickers in landfill. The data were collected by structural interview and analyzed via the use of descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, average, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values.

The results showed the comparision of current physical health impact compared with those in the past 5 years. Thirty-five subjects felt their health got worse  35 persons(34.65%). The most common impact was the accidents from sharp wastes(55.45%), the skin irritation and abscess(41.58%). For mental health impact, seven people were worse (6.93%). The negative result of working in sanitary landfill were nuisance with flies(57.43%) and feeling anxious home near landfill(46.53%).For the social health impact that got well – being(32.67%), economic issue such as occupation about waste with residents near landfill. The majority of worker populations were benefit from garbage (97.03%). The negative feedback such as family relationship worse(19.18%), nasty from surrounding people(12.87%). Also, they should have a good sanitary inside the working areas including minimizing the flies and vectors. The trainings are also required, safety and personal protective equipment. Finally, continuing activities regarding mental health promotion should be recommended for waste pickers.