PESTICIDE USING BEHAVI0RS AND SERUM CHOLINESTERASE LEVELS AMONG CONTRACT FARMING SYSTEM FARMERS IN KHON KAEN

Abstract

        This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the pesticide-using behaviors, serum cholinesterase (SChE) levels and identify factors associated with SChE levels among farmers in contract-farming system. Systematic random sampling was utilized to recruit 318 farmers in contract-farming system in Khon Kean province, Thailand. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was tested for validity by 3 experts and reliability test with the Cronbach's alpha coefficient = 0.86. The SChE levels were assessed by a senior-medical laboratory technologist of Srinagarind hospital. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Multiple regression was applied to determine the mean differences with 95% confidence interval.

         The results indicated that 66.25% of these farmers used organophosphates. Almost of half of farmers in contract-farming system had moderate levels of knowledge and attitude on contact-farming system (49.37 % and 46.86 %, respectively). Concerning pesticide exposure preventive practices, 47.98 % of these farmers never to seldom wore mask, followed by gloves (42.91 %). Approximately 4 % (4.40 %) of the farmers had abnormal level of SChE. The average of SChE levels among male and female were 7.69 ± 1.63 U/ml and 7.64 ± 1.60 U/ml, respectively. Factors significantly associated with SChE level were duration of pesticides use experiences (Mean difference = 0.56 U/ml; 95 %CI: 0.11-1.01, p = 0.015) and type of crop (Mean difference = 0.73 U/ml; 95%CI: 0.03-1.43, p = 0.039). Therefore, strategies should be focused to raise awareness about adverse impact of pesticide exposure and promote the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).