Evaluation of public health impacts of scavenging in Abuja, Nigeria using Q Methodology

Abstract

Investigations on scavenger activities and their contribution to informal sector recycling in Nigeria have been documented but the impact of waste scavenging on scavengers’ and public health is however not clearly understood. Using Q methodology this paper evaluates the public health implications of waste scavenging in Abuja Nigeria. A set of 50 Q statements were designed and presented to thirty residents selected by stratified random sampling technique in December 2008. Input and correlation of participants Q sorts were carried out using a Qcom.exe programme and SPSS for Windows Version 15.0. Preliminary results indicates that informal sector scavenging is currently the only form of recycling activity in the city accounting for the uptake of approximately 3% of recyclables from the municipal solid waste stream. Annual gross earnings per scavenger represent 200% of national minimum wage. Exposure to infectious diseases and other health hazards was however found to be higher than normal, increasing the probability of actual infection. Waste scavenging was identified as a possible pathway for spreading certain communicable diseases.