Quality of Life and Factors Influencing it: A Study Among People Living Near a Waste Treatment Plant

Abstract

Background: The amount of waste generated has been increasing over the years, while the ability to dispose of it does not meet the needs at waste treatment plants (WTP), resulting in negative consequences on the natural environment and health of the residents living near these plants; these effects can significantly degrade their quality of life (QoL). Although previous studies on the impact of solid waste and wastewater treatment plants have focused on the health problems suffered by nearby residents, the impact of these plants has scarcely been discussed in the context of mental health, social relationships, and the environment. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the QoL as a comprehensive indicator of the impact the presence of a WTP has on nearby residents, and determine the factors that influence their QoL. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted involving 801 subjects, aged 18 and above, who live near the WTP of Hue city, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. The QoL of the subjects was quantitatively assessed using the World Health Organization's (WHO) QoL assessment scale (WHOQOL-BREF). The general, health, and environmental factors influencing QoL were identified using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: It was found that only 22.6% of the subjects have a good QoL. In particular, the proportions for good psychological health (6.9%) and environment (13.6%) were low, which may indicate an influence of the WTP. Significant factors that degraded the residents’ QoL are: a lower educational level defined by not graduating from high school (OR=2.78; 1.09−7.06), poor health status (OR=2.50; 95% CI: 1.56−4.01), dissatisfaction with water quality (OR=2.41; 95% CI: 1.10−5.25), and unacceptance of the WTP presence (OR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.11−2.60). Moreover, it was found that subjects living within 2 km of the plant had dermatological syndromes and digestive disorders more frequently than those who lived farther away from the plant. They also reported more complaints about water, air, and soil quality, which were probably due to the operation of the WTP. Conclusions: Burying and disposing of solid waste at the WTP could lead to a degradation of the surrounding water and soil environments, while its collection and transportation is believed to cause odor and dust. The efforts of responsible authorities to strictly supervise and inspect these activities at the WTP are essential, not only to protect the surrounding environment but also to improve the QoL of those who live near these plants.