THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HANDWASHING WITH SOAP BEHAVIOR AND SKIN COMPLAINTS AMONG WASTE MANAGEMENT WORKERS AT KALIABU LANDFILL

Abstract

Waste management workers are exposed daily to waste, dirty water, dust, microorganisms, and other materials that may contribute to skin complaints. Handwashing with soap and running water is an important hygiene behavior that can reduce contaminants on the hands. This study aimed to determine the relationship between handwashing with soap (CTPS) behavior and skin complaints among waste management workers at Kaliabu Landfill, Mejayan District, Madiun Regency. This analytical observational study used a cross-sectional approach. The population consisted of 60 waste management workers and 52 respondents were selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The results showed that 34 workers (65.4%) had poor CTPS behavior and 18 workers (34.6%) had good CTPS behavior. Overall, 36 workers (69.2%) reported skin complaints and 16 workers (30.8%) did not. Among workers with poor CTPS behavior, 31 (59.6%) experienced skin complaints and 3 (5.8%) did not. Among workers with good CTPS behavior, 5 (9.6%) experienced skin complaints and 13 (25.0%) did not. The Chi-Square test showed p = 0.000, indicating a significant relationship between CTPS behavior and skin complaints. The odds ratio was 26.867 (95% CI: 5.584–129.274), indicating substantially higher odds of skin complaints among workers with poor CTPS behavior. Strengthening handwashing facilities, education, and routine CTPS practices after work and before eating is recommended.