The Risk Factors and Pesticide Poisoning among Horticultural Farmers: A Pilot Study in Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pesticide usage has become more common, resulting in negative consequences for the environment and human health. Pesticide poisoning data are still difficult to come by in Indonesia. This is due to a poor health reporting system, and attention to the health state of farmers has gone unnoticed as well. AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors and pesticide poisoning among horticultural farmers. METHODS: A cross-sectional study among horticultural farmers in Sumber Rejo and Gisting Districts, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung, Indonesia. Data were collected from May to June 2021. The inclusion criteria were farmers who used organophosphate and carbamate pesticides, farmers who were still actively working using pesticides, and farmers who sprayed 1−7 days before taking blood. Data collection was carried out using questionnaires and taking respondent’s blood to determine pesticide poisoning. Sampling of horticultural farmers is done by means of multistage random sampling. Bivariate analysis was assessed using the Chi-square test and multivariate analysis was used logistic binary regression. Data analysis used SPSS software version 18.0. RESULTS: There were significant association between amount of pesticides, topography, Hb levels, knowledge, attitude, behavior, frequency of spraying, personal hygiene, and use of PPE for pesticide poisoning among horticultural farmers (p < 0.05). The usage of inadequate PPE as a dominant factor for pesticide poisoning among horticultural farmers was confirmed by multivariate analysis (OR = 27.448, 95% CI 7.352−10.474). CONCLUSION: Pesticide poisoning among horticulture farmers is primarily caused by the use of inadequate PPE. As a result, relevant stakeholders must educate farmers on the need of utilizing excellent and standard personal protective equipment (PPE).