SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND THE ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMOG WASTE COLLECTORS IN JIGJIGA CITY, SOMALI REGIONAL STATE, EASTERN ETHIOPIA.

Abstract

Background: Solid waste management is a critical public health and environmental issue, particularly in low-income countries where waste collectors face high occupational risks due to direct exposure to hazardous materials and limited protective measures. Objectives: This study assessed solid waste management practices and associated factors among solid waste workers in Jigjiga City from January 10 to February 10, 2025. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 solid waste collectors. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire, supplemented with an observational checklist. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between dependent and independent variables, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Despite 72% of participants had good knowledge and 66% held positive attitudes, only 44% practiced proper waste management, highlighting a gap between awareness and behavior. Better practices were associated with favorable socio-demographic factors, including younger age (AOR=3.43, 95% CI: 1.41–8.35), being married (AOR=2.85, 95% CI: 1.02–8.01), having a smaller family size (AOR=3.34, 95% CI: 1.24–9.00), and job satisfaction (AOR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.13–4.33). In contrast, permanent employment (AOR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.21–0.82), limited work experience (AOR=0.50, 95% CI: 0.25–0.99), and holding multiple jobs (AOR=0.38, 95% CI: 0.16–0.91) were linked to poorer practices. Health conditions such as asthma, musculoskeletal problems, absenteeism, and hospitalization as well as access to healthcare and health insurance, were significantly associated with waste management practices. Preventive measures, including on-the-job training (AOR = 0.08, 95% CI: 0.01–0.81), tetanus vaccination (AOR = 27.11, 95% CI: 2.02–363.33), and hand hygiene (AOR = 4.58, 95% CI: 1.49–14.09), as well as having a negative attitude toward current waste management practices (AOR = 4.87, 95% CI: 2.34 10.10), were significantly associated with improved practices. Conclusion: Effective and sustainable solid waste management depends on coordinated interventions that strengthen infrastructure, ensure access to personal protective equipment (PPE), enhance occupational health, provide training, and offer psychosocial support. Collaboration among authorities, employers, and communities is key to promoting safe and efficient waste-handling practices.