Psychosocial Determinants of Perceived Well-Being Among Informal Waste Workers at Reppie Landfill Site (Koshe) in Addis Ababa
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Date
2026-06-01
Authors
Messay Sintayehu
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Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Informal waste workers are essential to urban waste management and circular economies in developing countries, yet they face persistent occupational stigma, social exclusion, and hazardous conditions. In Addis Ababa, limited empirical research exists on how these psychosocial factors affect their mental health. This study investigated the psychosocial determinants of perceived well-being among informal waste workers at Reppie Landfill Site (Koshe), focusing on the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of perceived social support. A mixed-methods convergent parallel design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 314 informal waste workers using adapted versions of the Stigma Consciousness Scale, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Qualitative data were collected through key informant interviews. Mediation and moderation analyses were conducted using PROCESS Macro (Model 5). Stigma had a significant negative direct effect on perceived well-being (B = -.330, p < .001). Self-esteem significantly mediated the stigma-well-being relationship (indirect effect = -.072, 95% CI [-.118, -.029]), indicating that stigma reduces perceived well-being partly by eroding self-esteem. Perceived social support had a significant positive main effect on perceived well-being (B = .257, p < .001) but did not significantly moderate the stigma-well-being relationship (interaction B = .024, p = .697). Qualitative findings revealed chronic stress, internalized shame, institutional discrimination, and the centrality of informal peer networks for emotional support. The findings inform policymakers, municipal actors, and civil society in waste management and social protection. Recommendations include integrating psychosocial services into formalization efforts, implementing dignity-centered training, launching stigma-reduction campaigns, and strengthening peer support networks. The study contributes empirical evidence on the stigma-well-being nexus among marginalized occupational groups in Ethiopia.
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Keywords
Stigma, Self-esteem, Perceived social support, Perceived well-being, Informal waste workers