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Memorias del Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud
On-line version ISSN 1812-9528
Abstract
FLORES RODRIGUEZ, Laura Emilce et al. Prevalence of Accident at Work among garbage collectors in Asunción, Paraguay: 2013-2014. Mem. Inst. Investig. Cienc. Salud [online]. 2016, vol.14, n.2, pp.40-52. ISSN 1812-9528. https://doi.org/10.18004/Mem.iics/1812-9528/2016.014(02)40-052.
Garbage collector is a high-risk job, with exposure to a variety of occupational and non-occupational factors. Total injury rates of occupational accidents in these workers are not known in Paraguay, the aim of the study was to estimate and to compare the prevalence of accidents at work in formal and informal garbage collectors of Asunción, Paraguay. A cross-sectional study was conducted. The 12-months-prevalence of occupational accidents and its association with socio-demographic factors, employment and working conditions were examined using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis (chi square test) and adjusted logistic regression models were carried out. Formal workers were older (57% over 40 years old), all men and better educated (82% completed the first grade), compared to the informal group (7% over 40 years, 68% males and 30% completed the first grade). The 12-months-prevalence of occupational accidents among formal garbage collectors was 37.5% vs. 29.5% informal garbage collectors (p=0.1). Likewise, after adjustment for potential confounders no statistically significant difference between the two groups was found (Odds ratio 1.8; 95% CI= 0.82-3.88). Significant risk factors for 12-months prevalence of accidents were lack of gloves (1.84; CI= 1.01-3.05) and poor safety conditions at the workplace (2.44; CI=1.3-4.7. Risk factors known are present in both groups (education, working condition, health condition, shift work) but not explain accidents. Therefore more researches and interventions on occupational health related on this activity are necessary.
Keywords : garbage collector; accident at work; high risk job; prevalence; occupational risk.