Health and agrochemical use experiences of agricultural workers with high serum cholinesterase levels in Northeastern Thailand

Abstract

In developing countries, agrochemicals are frequently used, resulting in direct and indirect chemical exposure as well as a variety of health concerns. Although agrochemical safety education is essential to promoting protective behavior among agricultural workers, there is a gap in the body of evidence concerning experience with agrochemical use and practice, which is critical for developing and improving educational interventions, so they are more effective and acceptable to the workers' culture and lifestyle. This phenomenology study included twenty agricultural workers with high serum cholinesterase levels in two Thai rural communities. Data from semi-structured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by using Colaizzi's 7-step data analysis, which is mentioned in the data analysis part. Five themes and three subthemes emerged in relation to agrochemical use and health: (i) long-term chemical exposure; (ii) no need to be concerned about health after chemical exposure; (iii) insufficient chemical protection knowledge and practices; (iv) difficulties in adhering to the agrochemical exposure prevention regimen; and (v) government policy and the growth of the organic products market are important components of chemical use reduction. Based on the findings, the workers lacked awareness regarding protective behaviors, because they did not notice any abnormal changes in their health. We, therefore, recommend that they undergo annual checkups for monitoring their SChE levels, which should be provided by the local government. In addition, agrochemical use is influenced by socioeconomic and political factors. Thus, a health education program for agricultural workers should involve a multidimensional and community-engaged training program that would promote the safe handling of chemicals through contextually appropriate interventions.