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https://www.arca.fiocruz.br/handle/icict/47857
A QUALITATIVE STUDY ON NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN WASTE PICKERS IN BRAZIL
Waste pickers
Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Solid waste segregators
Social conditions
Doenças não Transmissíveis
Fatores de Risco
Pesquisa Qualitativa
Diabetes Mellitus
Hipertensão
Author
Affilliation
National University. Department of Community Health. San Diego, CA, United States of America.
University of Brasilia. Department of Public Health. Brasília, DF, Brazil.
National University. Department of Community Health. San Diego, CA, United States of America.
National University. Department of Community Health. San Diego, CA, United States of America.
National University. Department of Community Health. San Diego, CA, United States of America.
University of Brasilia. Department of Public Health. Brasília, DF, Brazil.
University of Brasilia. Department of Public Health. Brasília, DF, Brazil.
University of Brasilia. Department of Public Health. Brasília, DF, Brazil.
National University. Department of Community Health. San Diego, CA, United States of America.
National University. Department of Community Health. San Diego, CA, United States of America.
National University. Department of Community Health. San Diego, CA, United States of America.
University of Brasilia. Department of Public Health. Brasília, DF, Brazil.
University of Brasilia. Department of Public Health. Brasília, DF, Brazil.
Abstract
Background. Noncommunicable chronic diseases are associated with multiple risks factors
and negative outcomes that are long-lasting and difficult to treat. Some populations may be at
greater risk because of their socioeconomic status, lack of healthcare, environment, and poor
work and living conditions. Informal waste pickers may experience higher levels of chronic
diseases and often do not have access to care to manage symptoms.
Objectives. The aim of the present study was to understand the prevalence of chronic diseases
in waste pickers, along with perceived associated risks and available treatments.
Methods. A qualitative study was conducted, using interviews with 24 waste pickers who
worked at Estrutural dumpsite in Brasilia, Brazil which was historically the second largest
open-air dumpsite in the world.
Results. Participants believed their commonly experienced chronic diseases were a result
of working in the open-air dumpsite. Chronic diseases commonly noted in the interviews
included hypertension, chronic pain, respiratory disease, diabetes, and kidney problems.
Participants discussed self-medication or prescribed medication used to treat their
conditions. Most participants had varying beliefs regarding prevention strategies to reduce
disease; some ideas for prevention focused on religion, fate, and God when discussing
outcomes related to illnesses. When answering questions regarding ideal working conditions
to help prevent diseases, participants responded by expressing a desire for protective gear
(e.g. PPE) which could help mitigate hazards associated with the dump.
Conclusions. Recyclable collectors were aware of occupational hazards to which they were
exposed and associated noncommunicable chronic diseases but lacked education on the
importance of preventive measures and access to healthcare services. The findings of the
present study confirm the need to strengthen intersectoral actions to protect and uphold the
health rights of this vulnerable population.
Keywords
QualitativeWaste pickers
Hypertension
Diabetes mellitus
Solid waste segregators
Social conditions
DeCS
CatadoresDoenças não Transmissíveis
Fatores de Risco
Pesquisa Qualitativa
Diabetes Mellitus
Hipertensão
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