Impacts of health and economic costs on street children working as waste collectors in Dhaka City

Alam, Md. Mahmudul; Hossain, Mohammad Saeed; Islam, Nurul; Murad, Wahid; Khan, Niaz Ahmed

doi:10.1504/ijesd.2021.112666

Cited by 10 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…This shows that the overall injury rate was very high in the South Asian region. Six of the studies reported cuts, which ranged up to 84.0%, the highest being in India [ 14 , 15 , 17 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Dog bites and insect bites were also frequent.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Children suffered from a variety of skin problems as a result of their exposure to waste [ 23 ]. Skin problems affected 5.7% to 97.3% of those polled [ 14 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 23 ]. The main reason behind this wide range was the definition of skin problems, which varied among the studies.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In four studies, 9.2% to 85.3% of respondents had respiratory problems and breathlessness, with the majority suffering at a rate greater than 60.0% [ 14 , 17 , 18 , 23 ]. Gastrointestinal and stomach problems were identified in 15.6% to 85.3% of respondents [ 14 , 17 , 18 , 23 ]. One study mentioned that 10.0% of children suffered from diarrhea and 30.0% suffered from vomiting [ 14 ].…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Gastrointestinal and stomach problems were identified in 15.6% to 85.3% of respondents [ 14 , 17 , 18 , 23 ]. One study mentioned that 10.0% of children suffered from diarrhea and 30.0% suffered from vomiting [ 14 ]. Waste pickers were also prone to jaundice.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The prevalence of fever was found to be 2.8% to 85.3% and cough to be 6.4% to 82.7% [ 14 , 15 , 17 , 18 , 23 ]. This wide variation could be attributed to the season in which the study was conducted or to variables considered in the studies.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Occupational Health Sufferings of Child Waste Workers in South Asia: A Scoping Review

Sara

Bayazid

Quayyum

2022

IJERPH

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Background: Child labor remains a health hazard, affecting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of children. Children engage in waste management through various channels while constantly working to create a healthier and cleaner environment and exposing themselves to numerous health risks. Thus, this scoping review aims to explore the occupational injuries, health hazards, and sufferings of child waste workers in South Asia. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, a scoping review of available relevant scientific literature was completed to comprehensively analyze the extent of child waste workers’ health suffering. Online databases PubMed, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were searched for predefined criteria. Collected references were screened with Rayyan web tools and Endnote. Based on study inclusion criteria, a thematic synthesis was performed on the findings of 12 articles. Results: This study’s findings provided deep insights into the most prevalent occupational health sufferings among child waste workers, as depicted in the available literature. Prevalence of injuries like cuts and wounds was found predominant. These injuries are caused by the collection, transportation, dumping, and recycling of waste. Respiratory, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases are more prevalent among child waste worker children than in control groups of the same socioeconomic backgrounds. A higher chance of genetic or neuro-degenerative disorder and DNA mutation indicates a long-term effect on the children working in the waste management sector. Psychological sufferings were the least explored, although very common among child laborers. MPD (Minor Psychiatric Disorder) was very high among waste workers. Regarding healthcare-seeking behavior, traditional methods are preferable rather than formal health facilities. More research is required in this area due to a lack of evidence on the health problems of child waste workers. Conclusions: Occupational hazards were myriad among child waste workers. Though many children are involved in waste management, they are typically excluded from mainstream child protection and support systems, making them more exposed to occupational harassment and injury. Policymakers should design specific programs for these vulnerable groups considering the issues below, i.e., provide protective equipment such as facemasks, gloves, footwear, and rag sorting tools to safeguard them from physical damage and illness, ensure access to health care, to school, and provide basic nutrients to them. Furthermore, the authorities should think of alternative income generating programs for these groups of children.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%