OBJECTIVE: Recyclers in the city of Medellin (Colombia) are social groups having a long-standing tradition; many of them have worked in informal economy sectors. This study was aimed at analysing their economic and social situation, health profile and health service accessibility (i.e. for a recycler group and their families). METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out by means of socioeconomic characterisation surveys of recyclers and relatives (515) and 174 medical examinations. The variables were described by age and gender. The area being studied was the locality of Guayaquil (Medellín) and its recyclers who accepted participating in the study. RESULTS: 71.6 % of the population being analysed inhabited lower and middle-lower class neighbourhoods; most were young people. The main household organisation consisted of living with a partner and marriage (83 %), having 5.3 +/- 2.7 people per family. 42 % were living in conditions of poverty (1-2 dollars per day income). Respiratory (32.5 %) and diarrheic infections (10.5 %) were reported. Medical examination revealed chronic diseases (47.1 %), nervous system and sense organ diseases (20.1 %). 37 % had no health insurance. CONCLUSION: The recyclers and their relatives were living in deficient social conditions. Public health action for the benefit of this group is required by means of generating employment, increasing health insurance cover and promoting specific health promotion and disease prevention strategies.
OBJECTIVE: Recyclers in the city of Medellin (Colombia) are social groups having a long-standing tradition; many of them have worked in informal economy sectors. This study was aimed at analysing their economic and social situation, health profile and health service accessibility (i.e. for a recycler group and their families). METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out by means of socioeconomic characterisation surveys of recyclers and relatives (515) and 174 medical examinations. The variables were described by age and gender. The area being studied was the locality of Guayaquil (Medellín) and its recyclers who accepted participating in the study. RESULTS: 71.6 % of the population being analysed inhabited lower and middle-lower class neighbourhoods; most were young people. The main household organisation consisted of living with a partner and marriage (83 %), having 5.3 +/- 2.7 people per family. 42 % were living in conditions of poverty (1-2 dollars per day income). Respiratory (32.5 %) and diarrheic infections (10.5 %) were reported. Medical examination revealed chronic diseases (47.1 %), nervous system and sense organ diseases (20.1 %). 37 % had no health insurance. CONCLUSION: The recyclers and their relatives were living in deficient social conditions. Public health action for the benefit of this group is required by means of generating employment, increasing health insurance cover and promoting specific health promotion and disease prevention strategies.