Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
2 Environmental Health Engineering Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran and Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Health Engineering, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical
3 HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
Introduction: Population growth, urbanization, and changes in consumption patterns have led to increased waste production. Inadequate management of household waste results in irreversible effects on health and the environment. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of household waste management on the health dimensions of three groups of individuals, including residents, waste management personnel, and waste pickers, in Kerman city in 2024.
Methods: The tool used in this study was in depth, focused interviews. Purposive and nonrandom sampling was conducted to select knowledgeable individuals. The researcher transcribed and typed each interview, and then the data were entered into MAXQDA software for analysis.
Results: This study revealed that although household waste management has the most apparent negative impacts on physical health and environmental damage, it also affects mental and social health. These effects include aesthetic impacts on the community, feelings of pity and compassion evoked in residents upon seeing waste pickers, work-related stress and psychological challenges for waste management personnel, loss of self-esteem, and increased delinquency among waste pickers. Additionally, this study provides suggestions for improving household waste management.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that household waste management affects all dimensions of health for residents, waste management personnel, and waste pickers. The study also revealed that the dimensions of waste management are critical and that corrective solutions require the participation of all sectors of society and that ignoring them would be disastrous.
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