Factors related to heat-stroke among farmers in Nakhon Ratchasima Province
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Abstract
This cross-sectional analytical study aimed to examine the factors associated with heat stroke among farmers in Pak Thong Chai District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The study sample comprised 1,024 farmers engaged in year-round agricultural work with continuous exposure to sunlight. Data were collected between March and July 2023 using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, and multiple logistic regression, were employed for data analysis. The findings indicated that the majority of participants were male (54.4%) and aged between 31 and 40 years (28.9%). Most had attained a high school education (32.3%) and were engaged in sugarcane, corn, and cassava farming (30.5%). Additionally, 88.1% of participants reported no underlying health conditions. In terms of protective behaviors, 80.0% of farmers wore appropriate clothing, such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, and hats, to shield themselves from sunlight. Conversely, certain risk behaviors were identified, with 5.9% of participants consuming alcoholic beverages while working to stimulate the nervous system, thereby increasing their susceptibility to heat-related illnesses. Regarding health effects, the most commonly reported symptoms included dizziness, headache, and faintness (38.7%), followed by pale complexion, cold sensations, and near-fainting episodes (11.3%). Analysis of behavioral factors associated with heat stroke occurrence revealed that farmers who took breaks in shaded areas after prolonged sun exposure were 0.24 times less likely to experience heat stroke than those who did not take breaks (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.24; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 0.10 - 0.55), corresponding to a 24% reduction in risk. Conversely, farmers who consumed alcohol or drugs while working were 6.13 times more likely to experience heat stroke compared to those who abstained (AOR = 6.13; 95% CI: 4.03 - 12.61). These findings underscore the significance of promoting appropriate preventive behaviors among farmers to mitigate the risk of heat stroke, particularly by encouraging shaded rest breaks and reducing alcohol consumption during work.
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