Factors Affecting Respiratory Complaints in Paraquat Spraying Workers in Kalimantan Oil Palm Plantations in 2022

Abstract

The study analyzed the relationship between the dependent variable (respiratory complaints) and the independent variables (worker characteristics, occupational characteristics, exposure intensity, and prevention of respiratory disorders) in paraquat sprayers in oil palm plantations in Kalimantan in 2022. The study design was a cross-sectional, analytical-descriptive quantitative study using a questionnaire instrument conducted online from August to October 2022. The total sample is 189 worker respondents and ten management respondents. The bivariate analysis was Chi-Square 2x2 for variables with p</=0.25 values, followed by multivariate logistic regression tests using the backward method. The study results found that 13.22% had respiratory complaints, 11.11% had complaints of cough, 3.17% coughed with phlegm, 2.11% had shortness of breath, and 1.05 had asthma. The results of the multivariate analysis show smoking habits have a risk of 4x (p 0.006), OR 4.12 (1.50-11.32)), permanent workers have a risk of 3x (p-value 0.022, OR 2.98 (1.16-7) .64)), and the use of inadequate PPE has a risk of 4.77x (p 0.002, OR 4.77 (1.78 - 12.80)). No significant relationship was found in the analysis of efforts to prevent respiratory disorders and respiratory complaints. This research implies that it can serve as a foundation for formulating better policies regarding the usage of paraquat in agriculture. It can also help raise awareness about the environmental impact of pesticide usage, such as paraquat.