Pesticide Use and Serum Acetylcholinesterase Levels among Flower Farm Workers in Ethiopia—A Cross-Sectional Study

The flower industry in East Africa has grown in recent years, especially in the production and export of roses. The aim of this study was to assess pesticide use on selected flower farms in Ethiopia. Serum cholinesterase levels in workers were used as a marker of pesticide exposure. This study was a cross-sectional study involving 588 workers from 15 different flower farms. It had a response rate of 95.5%. The participants included 277 males (mean age 26 years; 148 pesticide sprayers and 129 non-sprayers) and 311 females (mean age 25 years; 156 working in greenhouses and 155 working outside the greenhouses). The researchers undertook structured interviews, blood sampling, and walkthrough surveys. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used in the statistical analyses. A total of 154 different trade names of pesticides were found. Of them, 31 (27%) were classified as moderately hazardous by the WHO, and 9% were organophosphates. Serum levels of cholinesterase deviating from 50–140 Michel units were considered abnormal. Abnormal serum cholinesterase levels (above 140 Michel units) were found in 97 participants (16.5%, 95% confidence interval 13.7–19.7%). There were no differences between the four job groups regarding cholinesterase levels. The high prevalence of abnormal serum cholinesterase levels might indicate the presence of pesticide intoxication. Thus, there is a need for routine monitoring of all workers exposed to pesticides, not only sprayers.

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Association between pesticide exposure and obesity: A cross-sectional study of 20,295 farmers in Thailand

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.53261.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 445

Author(s):

Kajohnsak Noppakun ◽

Chudchawal Juntarawijit

Keyword(s):

Pesticide Exposure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Pesticide Use ◽

Obesity Prevalence ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Public Attention ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Organochlorine Insecticides ◽

Diet And Exercise

Background: Obesity is a serious condition because it is associated with other chronic diseases which affect the quality of life. In addition to diet and exercise, recent research has found that pesticide exposure might be another important risk factor. Methods: The objective of this large cross-sectional study was to determine the association between pesticide exposure and obesity among farmers in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok province, Thailand. Data on pesticide use and obesity prevalence from 20,295 farmers aged 20 years and older was collected using an in-person interview questionnaire. The association was analysed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusted for its potential confounding factors. Results: Obesity was found to be associated with pesticide use in the past. The risk of obesity was significantly predicted by types of pesticides, including insecticides (OR = 2.27, 95% CI 1.09-4.74), herbicides (OR = 4.72, 95% CI 1.16-19.29), fungicides (OR = 2.17, 95% CI 1.37-3.44), rodenticides (OR = 2.52, 95% CI 1.59-3.99), and molluscicides (OR = 3.37, 95% CI 2.13-5.31). Among 35 surveyed individual pesticides, 24 were significantly associated with higher obesity prevalence (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.00-3.06 to OR = 8.37, 95% CI 3.97-17.64), including herbicide butachlor, 17 insecticides (three carbamate insecticides, five organochlorine insecticides, and nine organophosphate insecticides), and six fungicides. Conclusion: This study found obesity in farmers in Nakhon Sawan and Phitsanulok province, Thailand, to be associated with the long-term use of several types of pesticides. The issue should receive more public attention, and pesticide use should be strictly controlled.

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Pesticide exposure and rhinitis: A cross-sectional study among farmers in Pitsanulok, Thailand

F1000Research ◽

10.12688/f1000research.53257.1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

pp. 474

Author(s):

Yuwayong Juntarawijit ◽

Chudchawal Juntarawijit

Keyword(s):

Pesticide Exposure ◽

Bordeaux Mixture ◽

Nasal Congestion ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Common Disease ◽

Pesticide Use ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Runny Nose ◽

Multiple Variable

Background: Pesticide exposure has been suspected to cause rhinitis, a common disease that affects the health and wellbeing of millions of people around the world. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to examine the association between pesticide use and rhinitis prevalence among farmers in Phitsanulok province, Thailand. Methods: Data on pesticide use and rhinitis use were collected by an in-person interview questionnaire. Data from 9,649 participants were included in the analysis. The association between pesticide exposure and rhinitis was determined by multiple variable logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounding factors. Results: It was found that 6.3% of study participants had rhinitis, which was defined as having one or more of the following symptoms: sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, within the past year. The study found each type of pesticide (insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, molluscicides) to be significantly associated with rhinitis, with the odds ratio ranging from 1.67 (95% CI 1.41-1.99) for the fungicide group to 7.19 (95% CI 4.67-11.06) for insecticide. For individual pesticides, the study found 33 out of 35 to be significantly associated with rhinitis with the OR values ranging from 1.30 (95% CI 1.00-1.69) for alachlor to 5.67 (95% CI 3.16-10.16) for Bordeaux mixture. Conclusions: This study found a prevalence of rhinitis among farmers in Phitsanulok, Thailand to be associated with the long-term exposure of many individual pesticides. This finding was consistent with other literature. Effects of pesticide on rhinitis should receive more attention from the public health and other organizations responsible for the farmers’ health.

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Cumulative Exposure Characteristics of Vegetable Farmers Exposed to Chlorpyrifos in Central Java – Indonesia; A Cross-sectional Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-296524/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jen Fuk Liem ◽

Muchtaruddin Mansyur

Keyword(s):

Pesticide Exposure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cumulative Exposure ◽

Exposure Level ◽

Pesticide Use ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Central Java ◽

Vegetable Farmers ◽

Study Population

Abstract BackgroundAgriculture is a major economic sector in Indonesia. Chemical pesticides are widely being used in agriculture for the control of the pest. There is a growing concern that pesticide exposure, particularly chlorpyrifos (CPF) exposure combined with other occupational characteristics that determine the level of exposure, can lead to further health impacts for farmers. Our objective was to evaluate the cumulative exposure characteristics among farmers exposed to CPF using a validated algorithm.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 152 vegetable farmers aged 18-65 who actively used CPF for at least one year in Central Java, Indonesia. Subject characteristics were obtained using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire addressed for sociodemographic and work-related characteristics. The cumulative exposure level (CEL) was measured as a function of the intensity level of pesticide exposure (IL), lifetime years of pesticide use and the number of days spraying per years. CEL then classified into two groups, high and low exposure group. The difference in characteristics of the study population was measured using Chi-square, independent-t or Mann-Whitney test. Association between CEL and its characteristics variables were performed by multiple linear regression.ResultsSeventy-one subjects (46.7%) were classified as the high exposure group. The use of multiple pesticide mixtures was common among our study population, with 94% of them using 2 or more pesticides. 73% reported direct contact with pesticides, and over 80% reported being splashed or spilt during preparation or spraying activity. However, we found that the proportion of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use in our subjects was low. Higher volume of mixture applied (p < 0.001) and broader acres of land (p = 0.001) were associated with higher cumulative exposure level, while using the long sleeve and long trousers (p < 0.05) during pesticide spraying were associated with lower cumulative exposure after adjusted for age and gender.ConclusionsThese findings indicate a lack of knowledge and understanding of the proper use of pesticides. Thus, we recommend comprehensive training on pesticide use and encourage proper PPE to reduce the exposure level.

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Evaluation of the Blood Level of Adiponectin in Pregnant Adolescents

Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia / RBGO Gynecology and Obstetrics ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1730288 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 43 (06) ◽

pp. 429-435

Author(s):

Elaine Cristina Rocha Pádua ◽

Silvia Daher ◽

Isa de Pádua Cintra Sampaio ◽

Edward Araujo Júnior ◽

Cristina Falbo Guazzelli

Keyword(s):

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Serum Adiponectin ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Pregnant Adolescents ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adolescent Group ◽

Gestational Weight ◽

Intergroup Comparison

Abstract Objective To evaluate serum levels of adiponectin in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation. Method: A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 67 normal pregnant women between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation and eutrophic (body mass index [BMI]: 18.5–25 kg/m2), of which 36 were adolescents (< 20 years old) and 31 adults (≥ 20 years old). Serum adiponectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The t-student or Mann-Whitney tests were used for intergroup comparison. Results Pregnant adolescents showed significantly higher serum adiponectin concentrations compared with pregnant adults (p = 0.04). No differences were observed in adiponectin levels in younger pregnant adolescents (< 16 years old) compared with older pregnant adolescents (≥ 16 years old). Adiponectin values were divided into 3 subgroups: < 3,000 ng/mL, between 3,000 and 5,000 ng/mL, and > 5,000 ng/mL. Birthweight was significantly higher in women > 5,000 ng/mL when compared with < 3,000 ng/mL in the adolescent group. No association between pregestational adiponectin levels and BMI, gestational weight gain, and gestational age was observed; however, there was a positive relation with birthweight (p = 0.0239). Conclusion Serum adiponectin values in pregnant adolescents between 30 and 36 weeks of gestation were higher compared with pregnant adults; however, no differences between younger and older pregnant adolescents were observed.

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Effect of Pesticide Exposure on Immunological, Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Thai Orchid Farmers— A Cross-Sectional Study

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph120605846 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 5846-5861 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Soraya Aroonvilairat ◽

Wannapa Kespichayawattana ◽

Thiwaree Sornprachum ◽

Papada Chaisuriya ◽

Taweeratana Siwadune ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Biochemical Parameters ◽

Pesticide Exposure ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Hematological And Biochemical Parameters

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Use of psychotropic medications by caregivers of elderly patients with dementia: is this a sign of caregiver burden?

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria ◽

10.1590/s0004-282x2012000300003 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

pp. 169-174 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Einstein Francisco Camargos ◽

Andrea Brígida Souza ◽

Aline Silva Nascimento ◽

Alessandra Cicari Morais-e-Silva ◽

Juliana Lima Quintas ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Elderly Patients ◽

Caregiver Burden ◽

Psychotropic Drugs ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Psychotropic Medications ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Sleeping Pills

This study evaluated the consumption of psychotropic medications by caregivers of elderly patients with or without dementia. This was a cross-sectional study conducted at all geriatric units in Brasília, Brazil, during a two-month period. Structured interviews were performed with 311 caregivers of people with or without dementia and they completed questionnaires. Among the caregivers, 196 (63%) were caregivers of patients with dementia and 115 (37%) were caregivers of patients without dementia. Forty-four caregivers (14.1%) were taking psychotropic drugs (benzodiazepines or antidepressants), and this usage was more frequent among caregivers of patients with dementia (p<0.01). Twenty-two caregivers of patients with dementia (11.4%) had used sleeping pills after beginning care, compared with only five (4.3%) caregivers of patients without dementia (p<0.01). In conclusion, this study found that caregivers of patients with dementia took psychotropic drugs (benzodiazepines and antidepressants) more frequently than the ones of patients without dementia.

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The Relationship between Dioxin-Like Polychlorobiphenyls and IGF-I Serum Levels in Healthy Adults: Evidence from a Cross-Sectional Study

PLoS ONE ◽

10.1371/journal.pone.0038213 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 7 (5) ◽

pp. e38213 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Octavio P. Luzardo ◽

Luis Alberto Henríquez-Hernández ◽

Pilar F. Valerón ◽

Pedro C. Lara ◽

Maira Almeida-González ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Igf I ◽

The Relationship

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Perbedaan Proporsi Gangguan Depresi dan Gangguan Cemas Antara Mahasiswa Preklinik dan Klinik

Jurnal Pendidikan Kedokteran Indonesia The Indonesian Journal of Medical Education ◽

10.22146/jpki.32234 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 146

Author(s):

Yoan Chou ◽

Dharmady Agus ◽

Dwi Jani Juliawati

Keyword(s):

Anxiety Disorder ◽

Medical Students ◽

Depressive Disorder ◽

Random Sampling ◽

Simple Random Sampling ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Icd 10

Background: Medical education is full of burden and pressure, so that medical students are prone to get depressive disorder and anxiety disorder. These have been proven by several researches conducted in the faculties of medicine from abroad as well as in Indonesia. Medical students, either preclinical or clinical, need to face many obstacles, but clinical students have more demands than preclinical students and they are directly responsible for patient safety. The more demands of the clinical students made them prone to have more depressive and anxiety disorder.Method: This research was conducted as a cross-sectional study on 200 students on Atma Jaya Medicine Faculty by choosing 100 pre-clinical and clinical students with simple random sampling. Data were collected with structured interviews by using MINI ICD-10 instrument to determine the depressive and anxiety disorder.Results: There were significant differences between the proportion of depressive disorder and anxiety disorder among preclinical and clinical students in FKUAJ 2015 (p = 0.044 and p = 0.048). The proportion of depressive disorder and anxiety disorder in clinical students are higher than preclinical students (29% vs. 17% and 38% vs. 25%).Conclusions: Clinical students are more prone to get depressive disorder 1,99 times and anxiety disorder 1,84 times than preclinical students FKUAJ year 2015

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Protocol for the avatar acceptability study: a multiperspective cross-sectional study evaluating the acceptability of using patient-derived xenografts to guide personalised cancer care in Australia and New Zealand

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024064 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (8) ◽

pp. e024064 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Claire E Wakefield ◽

Emma L Doolan ◽

Joanna E Fardell ◽

Christina Signorelli ◽

Veronica F Quinn ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cancer Survivors ◽

Cancer Care ◽

New Technologies ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Decisional Balance ◽

Local Health ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Advantages And Disadvantages

IntroductionPatient-derived xenografts (PDXs) have the potential to transform personalised cancer care, however, little is known about the acceptability of using PDXs to guide treatment decision-making. Given that patient and community preferences can influence satisfaction with care as well as the success of new technologies, we will evaluate the acceptability of PDXs in individuals affected by cancer and community comparisons.Methods and analysisThis comparative cross-sectional study will recruit 323 individuals affected by cancer (cancer survivors (of childhood or adult cancer) and parents of childhood cancer survivors) and 323 community comparisons (adults and parents). We will collect data via structured interviews and questionnaires. To determine the acceptability of PDXs, we will assess five domains: willingness to use PDXs when/if diagnosed with cancer, perceived advantages and disadvantages of PDXs, maximum acceptable out-of-pocket costs per patient, maximum acceptable turnaround time to receive results and maximum acceptable number of mice sacrificed per patient. The primary endpoint will be participants’ decisional balance ratio (calculated as participants’ advantages ratings divided by perceived disadvantages ratings).Ethics and disseminationThe study protocol has been approved by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC:12/173) and UNSW Sydney (HC15773). The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific conferences. A lay summary will be published on the Behavioural Sciences Unit website.

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