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

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.