Abstract

James-Paul Kretchy*1Mawuli Dzodzomenyo1,Thilde Rheinl

Mixed method design was used to investigate exposure to waste, use of personal protective gear(PPG), and self-reported health problems among 280 solid waste handlers in a peri-urban township of southern Ghana. From the survey, the most commonly reported health problems were bodily pains (56.4%), headache (38.6%) and fever (35.7%). In-depth interviews highlighted eye problems, stomach pains and non-specific symptomssuch asstress and tiredness. Waste handlers whosebare hands were exposed to wastehad a higher likelihood to report fever [odds ratio (OR) = 1.89 (95% C.I 1.37 –2.56), p < 0.0001] and diarrhoea [OR = 6.25 (95% C.I 4.17 –10.00), p < 0.0001]compared with those who usedrubber gloves. Similarly, waste handlers with uncovered mouth/nose had higher likelihood to report cough than those who usedmouth/nose cover [OR = 7.69 (95% C.I 4.00 –14.29), p < 0.0001].Waste handlers who did not use PPGsconsistently citedreasons including physical discomforts, impracticalities of wearing themin hot/humid conditions,inabilityof employers to supply orto financePPGs. Waste handlers need affordable and suitable protective gearto reduce risk to healthas well as theprovision of water and soap to promote personal hygieneat work. Employers musteducate andtrainwaste handlers ondisease preventive purposes of using PPGs.