Parkinsonism and Related Factors among Elderly Farmers Living in a Chilli Farm Area in Hua Rua Sub-District, Muang District, Ubonratchathani, Thailand

Abstract

Previous studies had reported that pesticide exposure and various types of pesticides used may cause the symptoms of parkinsonism. To explore the association of parkinsonism in farmers, the risks factors such the demographics and pesticide exposure and pesticide prevention must be studied. 271 participants that consisted of elderly farmers with average of 50 and above, both current and former, were selected for this study. The risk factors involved were analyzed using chi square to determine the association with the risk of parkinsonism. Age, pesticide combination and use of organochlorine and herbicides were the strongest risk factors parkinsonism (p<0.01). Other risk factors included medical history, years living in the area, farm size, farming experience and activities with pesticides and pesticide preparation at home. Use of medication to treat hypertension and diabetes as well as the correct use of personal protective equipment was found to reduce the risk of parkinsonism (p<0.05). Long-term exposure to pesticides, particularly organochlorine and all groups of herbicides, appear to have begun to cause the symptoms of parkinsonism among the farmers. Future studies will be required for understanding the mechanisms of PD in order to establish the causal relationship specific to a factor or specific pesticide such as those of organochlorine, paraquat or glyphosate.