Factors Associated with Blood Cholinesterase Levels among Crop Rotation Farmers Exposed to Pesticides in Ban Sa Subdistrict, Chae Hom District, Lampang Province, Thailand
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14456/dcj.2026.42Keywords:
insecticides, crop rotation farmers, cholinesterase blood levelAbstract
Crop rotation farming requires the use of insecticides at multiple stages of the production process, resulting in continuous occupational exposure among farmers. In particular, insecticides that inhibit cholinesterase activity are of significant concern, as decreased blood cholinesterase levels serve as an important biomarker of pesticide exposure and associated health risks. This study aimed to identify factors associated with blood cholinesterase levels related to insecticide exposure among rotational crop farmers in Ban Sa Subdistrict, Chae Hom District, Lampang Province, Thailand. This study included 281 participants, and data were collected between July and September 2025. The research instruments consisted of structured questionnaires assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the surveillance, prevention, and control of pesticide-related illnesses, as well as a cholinesterase reactive test paper for measuring blood cholinesterase levels. Relationships between variables and blood cholinesterase levels were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and the Chi-squared test. Predictive factors were subsequently identified using ordinal logistic regression analysis. The results revealed that nine factors were significantly associated with blood cholinesterase levels, including sex, age, educational level, body mass index (BMI), personal hygiene after work, pesticide use per application, average working duration per week, agricultural experience, and the level of surveillance, prevention, and control practices for pesticide-related illnesses. In the multivariable ordinal logistic regression model, four factors significantly associated with blood cholinesterase levels: sex (Adjusted OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.28-0.95), body mass index (Adjusted OR=0.88, 95% CI=0.81-0.96), personal hygiene after work (Adjusted OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.14-0.71), and pesticide use (Adjusted OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.02-1.60). The findings provide empirical evidence to support the planning and implementation of occupational health and safety measures aimed at reducing health risks associated with insecticide exposure among crop rotation farmers.
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