Effects of spatiotemporal distribution on circadian rhythm among e-waste recycling workers in Hong Kong during the COVID-19 pandemic

Keywords: E-waste recycling workers, circadian rhythm, spatiotemporal distribution, COVID-19
Abstract Type: Paper Abstract

Abstract

Introduction
E-waste recycling workers help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This study aimed to explore the effects of spatiotemporal distribution (i.e., various waves of COVID-19 outbreak and living areas) on e-waste workers’ circadian rhythm.
Method
We recruited 84 e-waste recycling workers with the standard questionnaires and 7-day GENEActiv data at the end of two waves of COVID-19 outbreaks (i.e., wave 4th and 5th) in Hong Kong. According to the Annual Air Quality Index, the participants’ residential areas were categorized as having high or low air pollution levels. The actigraphy data were used to calculate the parameters of the circadian rhythm. Multivariate linear regressions were used to test the association of the interested independent and outcome variables.
Results
Most of the participants were recruited at the end of wave 4th and living in high pollution areas (i.e., 76% and 72%, respectively). The period at the end of wave 5th outbreak (i.e., a severer outbreak compared to wave 4th) was associated with dampened amplitude (β = -0.28) and less rhythmic rest-activity pattern in IS (β = -0.12), IV (β = 0.30), and RA (β = -0.11). Living in high-pollution areas was related to increased activity levels in MESOR (β = 74.98).
Conclusion
Circadian rhythm status of vulnerable e-waste recycling workers was closely related to the severity of COVID-19 pandemic. This suggested that the health of rest-activity rhythm of e-waste workers in post-pandemic era should be one of the focuses of the global community. (Acknowledgements: GRF/RGC-165056653 & VCDFIII-136366853 & CRF-C4023-20GF)