This cross-sectional study determined the health profile of 88 school-aged garbage scavengers in Lumbangan dumpsite, Zamboanga City, in terms of common health complaints, present health problems, nutritional status, mental health status and prevalence of intestinal parasitism. The instruments utilized were survey questionnaire, physical examination form, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents (MINI-KID) and Kato-Katz technique for stool analysis. Seventeen health complaints were reported by the respondents; among the top five were cough (64.8%), colds (55.7%), fever (39.8%), abdominal pain (39.8%) and passage of worms (29.5%). The five leading present health problems identified by the pediatrician were colds (40.9%), anemia (26.1%), upper respiratory tract infection (21.6%), pneumonia (11.4%) and toothache (3.4%). Moreover, only 59% have normal nutritional status, while others have mild (28%) or moderate malnutrition (13%). The mental disorders noted were conduct disorder (2.3%), oppositional defiant disorder (2.3%), and separation anxiety disorder (1.1%). The prevalence rate of intestinal parasitism among respondents is 90.9%. Regarding their hygiene practices, only half of the respondents bathe daily, and many do not regularly wash hands after scavenging (41%), before eating (39%) and after latrine use (62%). Furthermore, only 65% of the respondents do nail-trimming weekly. It was also noted that some children do not use protective items such as boots (26%), hat/cap (50%), gloves (89%) and mask (98%) during work. In conclusion, school-aged garbage scavengers in Lumbangan dumpsite have poor health status, high prevalence of malnutrition and intestinal parasitism, and poor hygiene practices. However, their mental health status is generally acceptable.

Keyword: School-based garbage scavengers Health profile