Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health

The Korean Society for Preventive Medicine (대한예방의학회)
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Relationship Between Pesticide Exposure Factors and Health Symptoms Among Chili Farmers in Northeast Thailand

  • Ratchadaporn Pengpan (Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus) ;
  • Kulthida Y. Kopolrat (Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus) ;
  • Sribud Srichaijaroonpong (Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus) ;
  • Nutta Taneepanichskul (College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University) ;
  • Patiwat Yasaka (Faculty of Management Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Surin Campus) ;
  • Ratanee Kammoolkon (Faculty of Public Health, Kasetsart University Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus)
  • Received : 2023.08.05
  • Accepted : 2023.11.23
  • Published : 2024.01.31
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Abstract

Objectives: The unsafe use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to human health. This study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticide exposure and health symptoms among chili farmers in northeast Thailand. Methods: This cross-sectional analytic study included 141 chili farmers in Sakon Nakhon Province, in northeast Thailand. Data regarding health symptoms were gathered using a self-report questionnaire. A medical technician tested blood cholinesterase activity using an erythrocyte method, and an occupational medicine specialist at Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand reviewed the results. Associations between personal characteristics, pesticide exposure factors, and health symptoms were analyzed using multiple logistic regression. Results: Of the 141 chili farmers studied, 66.7% experienced pesticide poisoning, as indicated by below-normal cholinesterase levels. Fatigue was the most frequently reported symptom associated with pesticide exposure, affecting 37.6% of participants. This was followed by nausea and vomiting (31.9%), dizziness (14.9%), and dry throat (14.9%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that several factors were significantly associated with adverse symptoms: amount of work experience, volume of pesticides used, use of chemical pesticides, use of leaking containers during spraying, direct pesticide exposure while working, contact with pesticide-soaked clothing, consumption of food and drinks in the fields, and blood cholinesterase level indicating risk. Conclusions: This study suggests potential health risks for chili farmers stemming from exposure to and contamination by pesticides used in agricultural practices. To mitigate these risks, it is essential to supply personal protective equipment and to implement educational programs aimed at improving protective behaviors among farmers.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

We extend our gratitude to the Faculty of Public Health at Kasetsart University's Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus in Thailand, and to the director of the Ban Chiang Kruea Phochai Sub-District Health Promoting Hospital for their support and counsel throughout the research process. Additionally, we are thankful to the chili farmers who dedicated their time to the collection of data.

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