Prevalence and factors associated with blood cholinesterase enzyme safety levels among farmers under the implementation on development quality of life levels at Khong Chai district, Kalasin province

Abstract

Pesticide residues in food are among the leading risk factors for cancer and health problems that can lead to death. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study aimed at determining the prevalence and factors associated with safe levels of cholinesterase in the blood of farmers involved in the operation to develop the quality of life in the Khong Chai District, Kalasin Province. The study included a group of 270 farmers, and a systematic random sampling method was employed. Data were collected through a questionnaire consisting of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Assessment, abbreviated form (WHOQOL – BREF – THAI), with a reliability score of 0.91. The safety level of cholinesterase enzyme in the blood was assessed using cholinesterase reactive paper. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and relationships were explored using Fisher's exact test. The results revealed the prevalence of safety levels of blood cholinesterase enzyme, with normal levels at 22.22%, safety levels at 38.52%, risk levels at 29.63%, and unsafe levels at 9.63%. Factors associated with blood cholinesterase enzyme safety levels among farmers included health insurance (p-value=0.033), smoking (p-value=0.012), consumption of energy drinks (p-value=0.010), and underlying disease (p-value=0.034). Therefore, knowledge should be promoted to reduce the risk factors for farmers who have risky and unsafe levels of cholinesterase enzyme in their blood. Leading to driving operations in line with the local strategy of the Khong Chai District Quality of Life Development Committee.