Prevalence and determinants of respiratory gastrointestinal and dermatological symptoms among waste and sanitation workers in Dhaka City Bangladesh

Abstract Introduction Waste and sanitation workers are responsible for maintaining environmental cleanliness. However, they are at considerable risk for adverse health effects, especially gastrointestinal, respiratory, and dermatological problems. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and dermatological symptoms among waste and sanitation workers in Dhaka City. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 waste and sanitation workers between December 2024 and July 2025. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, work history, waste handling practices, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and detailed related health history were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression model identified predictors of these symptoms. Results The participants had a mean age of 37.2 (± 10.4) years, were mostly male (64.8%), and had no formal education (89.5%). Almost half of the workers reported respiratory (45.8%) and gastrointestinal (47.3%) symptoms, and more than one-third had dermatological problems (36.0%). Long time exposure to waste in terms of both longer years of experience and overtime working hours was associated with respiratory symptoms like breathing difficulty (AOR: 1.04, CI 1.01–1.08), chronic cough (AOR: 1.04, CI 1.01–1.07), nasal congestion (AOR: 1.03, CI 1.00-1.07) as well as dermatological symptoms such as itching (AOR: 1.03, CI 1.00-1.05). Workers handling construction waste had higher odds of chronic sputum production (AOR: 3.20, CI 1.51–6.74), while those exposed to sewage waste were more likely to report gastrointestinal complaints of heartburn (AOR: 2.02, CI 1.19–3.45), stomachache (AOR: 1.81, CI 1.03–3.20), and skin rashes (AOR: 2.69, CI 1.59–4.55). Consistent use of facemask was associated with lower odds of respiratory symptoms, including breathing difficulty (AOR: 0.35, CI 0.19–0.65), chronic cough (AOR: 0.31, CI 0.16–0.59), and chronic sputum production (AOR: 0.13, CI 0.04–0.36). Conclusions In terms of the substantial burden of occupation-induced health problems, the regular health check-up, provision of PPE, and a safer work schedule are recommended.