Health Impacts Assessment of waste pickers and waste collectors in developing countries: a systematic review

Abstract

This study aims to (1) review literature and synthesise research on the prevalence of hazards and their health impacts, and (2) investigate the process of Health impact Assessment among occupational waste collectors and segregators in a developing country. The methodology includes a systematic literature review using Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct databases, focusing on publications between 2012 and 2022. The health impact assessment involves three steps: screening, scoping, and assessment. The selection of research articles relies on consensus among three evaluators, with a single expert making final decisions in cases of disagreement. Relevant keywords are identified and used for screening based on predefined criteria. Research quality is evaluated, and the prevalence is determined using the Pool Proportion Rate. Data analysis employs the content analysis method. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of 59,927 research studies, identifying nine papers that met the inclusion and quality assessment criteria. These studies were conducted in six developing countries, namely Malaysia, India, the Philippines, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe. The findings revealed important insights: (1) Among the 2,621 participants in the sample group, a prevalence of hazards and health impacts was found, with a rate of 48.47 95%CI ( 36.4 – 60.60). (2) The Health Impact Assessment process consists of the following three steps: (2.1) The screening process comprised 9 papers, including waste management issues, hazards and health risks, vulnerability, and access to public services. These data were collected from relevant reports and research. Concern is raised about the potential health risks and effects of waste collection and sorting procedures. (2.2) In the scoping process, four papers were utilized to create two-dimensional metrics. Firstly, the dimension focused on personal factors, such as the severity of the problem, relevant risk factors, and personal protective behaviors. Secondly, the dimension pertained to the service system, encompassing waste management policies and plans. (2.3) Health impact assessment can be classified into two formats: risk assessment and the assessment of the magnitude of health problems caused by waste picking and waste collection. However, it is worth mentioning that limitations exist when assessing health impacts within all three processes, primarily due to the inadequate engagement of critical stakeholders in these areas. Therefore, it is essential to consider the comprehensiveness of data across the dimensions of health, economy, and society. In every process, it is crucial to prioritise the participation of waste workers and waste sorting professionals in providing information to ensure the attainment of health impact assessments that can be effectively applied in practice.