FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH BLOOD CHOLINESTERASE ENZYME LEVELS OF THE AGRICULTURAL WORKERS IN HEALTH REGION 1
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: The agricultural worker is the largest percentage of the labor force in Thailand. In agriculture, there are widespread chemical pesticides. This affects agricultural workers' health in both short and long term.
OBJECTIVE: To study the factors associated with blood cholinesterase levels of agricultural workers living in high-risk and low-risk areas from pesticides.
METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from October 2017 to September 2018. The study samples were selected by multi-stage sampling. The number of study subjects in high-risk areas is 200 and in low-risk areas is 200. The data collected using a questionnaire and blood samples were collected for analysis of the cholinesterase enzyme. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics. Chi-square test was performed to identify the factors related to blood cholinesterase enzyme levels.
RESULTS: The factors associated with blood cholinesterase enzyme levels of the agricultural workers in a high-risk area with significantly were a land owner (p=0.023) and behavior level of pesticide use (p<0.001). Whereas, the factors associated with blood cholinesterase enzyme levels of the agricultural workers in a low-risk area were age group (p<0.001) and behavior level of pesticide use (p=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSIONS: The research found that the behavior level of pesticide use was associated with blood cholinesterase level, whether in high-risk or low-risk area group. Therefore, improving the behavior of pesticide use should be carried out continuously and consistently to lead the further awareness. This is done in a way that is appropriate for the target group and the context of the area in order to be aware of the toxic effects of pesticides and to change their behavior in the safe use of pesticides.
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