Factors Related to Enzyme Cholinesterase of Durian Famers in Chumphon Province

Abstract

          Thailand is considered an agricultural country and human health effects from the use of pesticides is one of the major problems in Thailand. This study aims 1) to study the relationship between personal factors; including the knowledge, attitudes and practices on pesticides and personal protective equipment usage and blood enzymes cholinesterase level 2) to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices on pesticides use, and 3) to study the health effects of pesticide using among durian farmers in Chumphon Province. A questionnaire and blood enzymes cholinesterase test was completed by face to face from 44 durian farmers. The results showed that the most of the participants were female (75.0%), age between 51-60 years (54.5%) and educational levels in primary school (79.5%). Their experience in growing durian was 11-20 years (45.4%). Most of the them were applied pesticides by themselves (70.5%). Of 95.5% knew that they have to wear mask while pesticides spraying (95.5%). Most of the participants recognized that they have to wash, shower and change clothes immediately after pesticides use or spraying (97.7%). 93.2% of respondents were read containers labels before using pesticides, and do not smoke and/or drink alcohol during pesticides spraying.

It was found that there was no relationship among personal factors, use of pesticides, knowledge, attitudes and personal protective equipment usage and blood enzymes cholinesterase levels. While the practices on pesticides use was correlated with blood enzymes cholinesterase level a statistical significance level of 0.05. Participants had a moderate level of knowledge (63.6%) and attitude (70.5%) about pesticide usage. Most of them had practices on pesticides at high level (84.1%). Many of respondents use PPE appropriately at moderate level (77.3%). Some of the reported health symptoms after pesticide exposure were sweating (18.2%) and headache (6.8%) regularly. Sometimes, they had fatigue (34.1%) and sore throat or dry throat (31.8%). More than 90% of participants had abnormal blood enzymes cholinesterase as unsafe level. The study suggested that the government authorities, private sections and community should provide activities to promote the knowledge regarding to pesticides use and exposure for durian farmers to improve their ability to handle pesticide. Furthermore, the education including bio-pesticide should be recognized for this area.