Use of Pesticides and Health Risks to Chinese Water Chestnut Farmers in Suphanburi Province, Thailand

Aittiphol  Duangchinda; Chuanpit  Siripaiboon; Srisurang  Kehanak; Kunthida Kingsawad; Sutthayot  Yimpoonsap; Umarat  Sirijaroonwong; Anurak  Khrueakham

doi:10.18502/ijph.v52i11.14035

Aittiphol Duangchinda Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Suphanburi Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Suphanburi, Thai-land
Chuanpit Siripaiboon Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Suphanburi Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Suphanburi, Thai-land
Srisurang Kehanak Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Suphanburi Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Suphanburi, Thai-land
Kunthida Kingsawad Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Suphanburi Praboromarajchanok Institute, Ministry of Public Health, Suphanburi, Thai-land
Sutthayot Yimpoonsap Faculty of Science and Technology, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya,Thailand
Umarat Sirijaroonwong Division of Occupational Health and Safety, Faculty of Public and Environmental Health, Huachiew Chalermprakiet University, Samut Prakan, Thailand
Anurak Khrueakham Division of Research Administration and Academic Services, Kasetsart University, Chalermphrakiat Sakon Nakhon Province Campus, Sakon Nakhon, Thailand

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v52i11.14035

Keywords: Use of pesticides; Health risks; Farmers; Water chestnut farming

Abstract

Background: We aimed to study the relationship between the use of pesticides and the health risks faced by Chinese water chestnut farmers in this country.

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted among 425 farmers in Sriprachan district, Suphanburi Province, Thailand in 2021. Samples were recruited using the cluster sampling method, and data collection took place through questionnaires. The questionnaire consisted of 3 parts, 76 items, namely personal information of farmers (12 items checklist), the use of pesticides by chemical risk assessment was a 5-point rating scale (40 items), and health risk assessment exposure to pesticides was a 5-point rating scale (24 items). The content validity index for scale (S-CVI) was 0.963 and the reliability with Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.904. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, relative risk, and 95% CI.

Results: The overall pesticide use among farmers was at a moderate level (Mean=3.26, SD=0.60). Farmers’ signs and symptoms of exposure were compared to their use of pesticides. The pesticide use increased health risks by 15.57 (95% CI: 12.33 to 18.14). Hazard identification was 10.79 higher (95% CI: 8.19 to 13.40). Dose-response assessment was -16.23 higher (95% CI: -17.63 to -14.82). Exposure assessment was 11.49 higher (95% CI: 9.87 to 13.10) and the risk characteristic was -7.46 (95% CI: -8.49 to -6.44). It was statistically significant at <.001.

Conclusion: Careless and incorrect use of pesticides by Chinese water chestnut farmers can lead to health risks from exposure to toxic substances.