Multisectoral intervention in occupational and environmental health among informal waste pickers: Experience in Chota, Peru
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26694/repis.v11i1.6823Keywords:
Occupational health, Waste pickers, Workplace safety, Intervention programAbstract
Introduction: Occupational health among informal waste pickers in Peru is a public health problem. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a multisectoral intervention program in occupational safety and environmental health promotion among informal waste pickers in Chota, Peru. Design: The study population consisted of 20 waste pickers from the informal sector of the municipality of Chota - Cajamarca, Peru. The sampling technique adopted was non-probabilistic by quotas, and the sample was distributed across 6 districts of Chota. The study had two distinct moments: pre-test and post-test. Results: There was a significant increase in the use of personal protective equipment by participants, in adherence to tetanus vaccination (p = 0.018 < 0.05) and in the adoption of protective measures in the workplace (p = 0.001); in the participants' opinion about the transmission of infectious diseases by insects and animals (p = 0.047 < 0.05), and in the practice of boiling water before consumption to prevent infectious diseases (p = 0.035 < 0.05). Implications: the program helped the occupational health of informal waste collectors, preventing infections and occupational diseases and creating good practices for occupational safety and correct handling and disposal of waste.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zoila Isabel Cárdenas Tirado, Rosario de Socorro Avellaneda Yajahuanca, Erlinda Holmos Flores, Kely Azucena Irigoín Vásquez, Carlos Alberto Jaimes Velásquez, Daniela Reis Joaquim de Freitas, Dra. Kelly Aliaga
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