RESUMEN
Resumo A catação de materiais recicláveis é uma ocupação com crescente número de trabalhadores, que encontram nela sustento diante das desigualdades socioeconômicas e do desemprego. Este artigo descreve as estratégias de resistência de mulheres catadoras que fazem parte de uma associação no Nordeste brasileiro, além da forma como elas lidaram com problemas de saúde durante a pandemia de covid-19, especialmente no que se refere aos medicamentos. Utilizamos uma abordagem quantitativa e uma etnográfica, coletando dados sociodemográficos de 13 participantes e dos medicamentos presentes em suas casas, e também realizando observação participante e entrevistas aprofundadas. Em meio à crise sanitária, foram mencionados problemas como o desemprego, as relações de gênero, a violência e os estigmas do trabalho. Se por um lado a pandemia vulnerabilizou ainda mais alguns segmentos populacionais, por outro potencializou estratégias coletivas de enfrentamento. As catadoras e a associação se organizaram para obter insumos e melhorias tanto na sede quanto no bairro. Identificamos 58 unidades de medicamentos, prescritos e obtidos principalmente na Unidade Básica de Saúde. Desses, 27,6% tinham ação sobre o sistema nervoso (analgésicos, psicolépticos e psicoanalépticos) e 17,2% sobre o sistema cardiovascular e sobre o trato alimentar e metabolismo. As catadoras desenvolveram práticas de autoatenção com os medicamentos, destacando o papel central deles no enfrentamento dos problemas de saúde.
Abstract The collection of recyclable materials is an occupation with an increasing number of workers, who find in it a livelihood in a context of socioeconomic inequalities and unemployment. This article describes resistance strategies of women collectors who are part of an association in Northeast Brazil, in addition to describing how they managed health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially regarding medicines. A quantitative and an ethnographic approach were used by collecting data on sociodemographic and medicines present in the homes of 13 participants and conducting participant observation and in-depth interviews. Amid the health crisis, the participants mentioned problems such as unemployment, gender relations, violence, and work stigmas. If, on the one hand, the pandemic has further increased vulnerability for certain population segments, on the other hand, it has enhanced collective resistance strategies. The collectors of the association organized to obtain various materials and benefits both for their headquarters and their neighborhood. We identified 58 units of medicines, prescribed and obtained mainly at the Basic Health Unit. Of these, 27.6% had action on the nervous system (analgesics, psycholeptics, and psychoanaleptics) and 17.2% on the cardiovascular system and on the alimentary tract and metabolism. The collectors developed self-attention practices with the medicines highlighting their central role in facing health problems.
RESUMEN
Background: Domestic solid waste collectors play important role in maintain hygiene of a community, especially in developing countries. Yet not many efforts are done to identify their health needs. The main objective of this study is to identify the morbidity pattern and social problems of solid waste collectors in urban Maharashtra.Methods: It was a cross sectional study. Study population consisted of domestic solid waste collectors who are registered under municipal corporation. Sampling was purposive. All the domestic solid waste collectors who came for specially arranged health check-up were included in the sample. Social and demographic information along with clinical history was collected using a structured questionnaire. General physical exam, eye checkup, skin examination and lab investigations were done in a specially organized camp, after obtaining prior consent of the participants. Data was analyzed using SPSS 19 software.Results: More than 90% of 98 solid waste collectors, who participated in the study had frequent cough, fever and diarrhea. Over 85% had back or/and leg pain. More than half of the study population had dryness of skin and 47% of them complained of itching. 15 solid waste collectors were discriminated in marriages.Conclusions: High prevalence of common frequent symptoms such as fever, cough and diarrhea can be controlled by conducting regular health checkups for this community. The need is to reach them rather than waiting for them to come to health facility. Sensitization of community towards importance of work done by the solid waste collectors is also required.