Abstract
Background: Illegal waste dumping has been a huge challenge all over the world, particularly in developing countries like South Africa. Improper solid waste management practices such as inconsistencies by the municipalities regarding the collection of waste, a lack of knowledge regarding proper waste disposal and inadequate essential resources like trucks, diesel and bins can contribute to illegal dumping.
Aim: To assess the risk factors associated with acute respiratory symptoms in the communities residing near open illegal domestic waste dumping sites in Rockland, Bloemfontein Free State.
Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study, was conducted in Rocklands, Free State. South Africa. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Systematic sampling was used in this study, whereby participants were selected according to a random starting point but with a fixed, periodic interval. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.Frequency tables were used as a way to describe the study population characteristics. Descriptive statistics were computed, and logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the outcome variables and factors. The results are presented as odds ratio and their respective confidence intervals (CI) of 95%.
Results: The study included a total number of 200 participants, with 118 residing within proximity (0-5km) from the illegal dumping site and 81 living further away (≥5-10km). Acute respiratory symptoms in those living in close proximity (0-5km) were more prevalent to cough (40%), shortness of breath (20%), wheezing (19%) and tightness of chest (18%) compared to those living further away: cough (19%), shortness of breath (12%), wheezing (7.5%) and tightness of chest (7.5%). In our logistics regression models, after adjusting for various covariates the OR of having cough OR 0.056; 95% CI: 0.030-0.250, shortness of breath OR 0.063; 95% CI: 0.054-0.301, wheezing OR 0.034; 95% CI: 0.030-0.165 and tightness of chest OR 0.062; 95% CI: 0.070-0.314 was respectively.
Conclusion: Illegal waste dumping remains a big concern and a challenge, mostly in low- resourced communities, in South Africa. The acute respiratory symptoms were more prevalent in communities situated within 0-5km, compared to communities situated further ways. It is
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clear based on the results,that communities, individuals and other stakeholders need to be educated more on proper waste disposal and the negative impact of illegal waste dumping. Collaboration by the government, with communities and finding solutions can minimise the challenges of waste management and illegal dumping.