Factors related to enzyme cholinesterase of tobacco famers: A case study in Sukhothai Province

Abstract

The objective of this cross-sectional descriptive study was to investigate the relationship between knowledge, attitudes and practices on pesticides and blood enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase level of tobacco farmers in Sukhothai Province. A questionnaire and blood enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase test was completed by face to face from 44 tobacco farmers. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, Fisher’s exact test and Odd ratio. The results showed that the most of the participants were female (75.0%), age between 51-60 years (54.5%) and educational levels in primary school (79.5%). Their experience in growing tobacco was 11-20 years (45.4%). Participants had a moderate level of knowledge (63.6%) and attitude (70.5%) on pesticide usage. Most of them had practices on pesticides use at high level (84.1%). It was found that there was no relationship between knowledge, attitudes and blood enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase levels. While the practices on pesticides use was correlated with blood enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase level a statistical significance level of 0.05 (p=0.01). More than 90.9% of participants had abnormal blood enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase as unsafe level than the report from Department of Disease Control (66.7% of participants had risk and unsafe level). The results can be used as a database for blood enzymes erythrocyte cholinesterase levels and provide activities to promote the knowledge regarding to pesticides use and exposure for tobacco farmers to improve their ability to handle pesticide. Furthermore, the education including bio-pesticide should be recognized for this area.