<![CDATA[Introduction: Waste collectors and transporters are among the informal workforce at high risk of health problems due to exposure to dust, gases, and microorganisms from waste, particularly Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI). Studies specifically assessing the multidimensional vulnerability of workers in this sector are still limited, especially in Timor-Leste. Objective: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the vulnerability of waste collector personnel and the risk level of acute respiratory infections (ARI) in waste management contractor companies. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was used in this descriptive analytical design. Using the Slovin formula, a non-probability incidental sampling technique was used to select 58 workers from a population of 136 individuals, with a 10% margin of error. A closed-ended Guttman scale questionnaire, consisting of 15 vulnerability items and 9 ARI risk items, was tested for reliability (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.707). Data were collected using this questionnaire. Data analysis methodology included univariate analysis, cross-tabulation analysis, Fisher's Exact Test, and Chi-Square test. Results: showed that 87.9% of respondents were classified as vulnerable, while 79.3% were at a moderate risk of ARI. Bivariate testing found a significant relationship between vulnerability and ARI risk (p=0.000), with an Odds Ratio of 66.667 (95% CI: 5.573–797.488), indicating that vulnerable workers have a much greater chance of experiencing ARI risk than those who are not vulnerable, although the wide confidence interval indicates the need for caution due to the limited sample size. Conclusion: worker vulnerability is significantly associated with an increased risk of ARI, so the provision of personal protective equipment, occupational health education, and regular health checks need to be prioritized for waste collection workers.]]>
