Relationship Between Length of Work, Duration of Work, Use of Personal Protective Equipment With Blood Cholinesterase Levels Among Farmers in Modoinding District

Abstract

Background: The use of pesticides in agriculture has been perceived as beneficial for increasing production. Pesticides are essential material used to protect crops and agricultural products, livestock, and fish from damage caused by various pests.
 Objective: This research aims to determine the relationship between length of work, work period, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with blood cholinesterase levels in pesticide sprayers among farmers in Modoinding Subdistrict.
 Method: This study is of an analytical with a cross-sectional study design. The study population consists of pesticide sprayers among farmers in Modoinding Subdistrict. The research sample was determined using cluster random sampling, where samples were taken from three villages.. From each village, 20 pesticide sprayers were randomly selected, resulting in a total sample size of 60 individuals. Data analysis using logistic regretion to assess the relationships between variables.
 Results: The research findings indicate that the majority (87%) of pesticide sprayers are above 20 years of age, and all respondents have a work period of more than 3 (three) years. This suggests that pesticide sprayers have been in contact with pesticides for an extended period. The use of PPE is still not a priority for these workers. All respondents (100%) handle pesticide-containing substances (herbicides, insecticides, fungicides) without using PPE, especially gloves and masks. During spraying, 100% of the respondents wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and hats, with 16% using masks. This situation indicates a high risk of pesticide poisoning among these farmers. The results of the blood cholinesterase level relationship test with work period show significant values (p=0.012), as do the length of service (p=0.00) and the use of PPE (p=0.000).
 Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between length of work, work period, and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with blood cholinesterase levels among vegetable farmers in Modoinding Subdistrict, South Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi.