Health Insecurity and Occupational Risk Factors Among Urban Waste Collectors in Dhaka City, Bangladesh: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Background and Aims: Urban waste collectors play an essential role in maintaining urban sanitation, yet they remain one of the most occupationally vulnerable groups in rapidly urbanizing cities in low- and middle-income countries. In Bangladesh, evidence on their occupational health insecurity and access to healthcare services remains limited. This study aimed to assess health insecurity among urban waste collectors in Dhaka City by examining occupational exposures, safety practices, health outcomes, and access to healthcare services. Methods: tests, Pearson's correlation, and exploratory multiple linear regression were used to examine associations between occupational factors and the Health Insecurity Index. Results: = 0.03). Only 5/40 respondents (12.5%) reported access to institutional healthcare services, and none reported financial support. Conclusion: Urban waste collectors in Dhaka City appear to experience considerable health insecurity that may be associated with modifiable occupational and institutional factors. Strengthening occupational health and safety systems, ensuring access to PPE and training, regulating working hours, and expanding healthcare access are important for protecting this essential workforce and supporting sustainable urban waste management.