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

Author

Listed:
  • Matimba Makhubele

    (School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
    South African Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa)

  • Khuliso Ravhuhali

    (South African Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa)

  • Lazarus Kuonza

    (School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa
    South African Field Epidemiology Training Program, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, National Health Laboratory Services, Johannesburg 2192, South Africa
    School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown 2000, South Africa)

  • Angela Mathee

    (School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown 2000, South Africa
    Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
    Environment & Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Johannesburg 2012, South Africa)

  • Spo Kgalamono

    (School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown 2000, South Africa
    National Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Felix Made

    (National Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Nohlanhla Tlotleng

    (National Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Tahira Kootbodien

    (National Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Vusi Ntlebi

    (National Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Kerry Wilson

    (National Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

  • Nisha Naicker

    (School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Parktown 2000, South Africa
    Environmental Health Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2028, South Africa
    National Institute of Occupational Health, National Health Laboratory Service, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Matimba Makhubele & Khuliso Ravhuhali & Lazarus Kuonza & Angela Mathee & Spo Kgalamono & Felix Made & Nohlanhla Tlotleng & Tahira Kootbodien & Vusi Ntlebi & Kerry Wilson & Nisha Naicker, 2019. "Common Mental Health Disorders among Informal Waste Pickers in Johannesburg, South Africa 2018—A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(14), pages 1-9, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:14:p:2618-:d:250747
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