Journal of Agromedicine最新文献

{"title":"Context-Specific Design and Evaluation of Ridging Attachment for Raised Bed Vegetable Cultivation in Meghalaya, Northeast India.","authors":"Hijam Jiten Singh, Huidrom Dayananda Singh, Mayanglambam Bilashini Devi, Bishorjit Ningthoujam, Hillary Suna, Aftab Hussain, Nangsan Thabah, Samarendra Hazarika","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2679735","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2679735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Raised bed vegetable cultivation is widely practiced after paddy in the foothill and valley areas of Meghalaya, Northeast India. Traditionally, raised beds are prepared manually using spades, a process that is not only laborious and time-consuming but also poses considerable ergonomic risks. To address these issues, a study was conducted to evaluate risk factors, and to design, develop, and test a ridging attachment for power tillers that could be effectively used in the narrow terraces and small fields typical of hill farming systems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case study was conducted in selected vegetable-growing areas of Meghalaya, Northeast India during the year 2023-2024. Field visits and observations documented current raised bed methods, while interviews and discussions with 64 farmers (40 male, 24 female) via semi-structured questionnaires identified existing tools, bed sizes, labor needs, and ergonomic issues in manual preparation. Ergonomic stress and strain were assessed using the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ), Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA), and heart rate monitoring.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Survey findings revealed nearly 84% of respondents experienced physical discomfort, with lower back pain being reported by about 80% of them. Physiological workload assessment placed manual bed preparation in the \"very heavy\" category. REBA analysis further indicated postures adopted during the task scored between 8 and 10 (Action Level 3) for over 70% of participants, signifying a high-risk activity requiring urgent intervention. In response, a ridging attachment was developed, aligning agronomic requirements with ergonomic considerations. Performance evaluation demonstrated significant benefits: a field capacity of 0.103 ha/h (around 20 times higher than manual preparation), a 92% reduction in labor demand, and a 95% savings in time. Fuel use and draft forces remained within acceptable ranges. Economic analysis indicated about 76% reduction in costs, with a payback period of less than two crop cycles.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, the developed ridging attachment proved to be a cost-effective, farmer-friendly technology that not only minimizes drudgery but also enhances efficiency in raised bed vegetable cultivation. This innovation contributes to context-specific mechanization strategies and supports sustainable intensification of smallholder farming in the hill regions of Northeast India.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"616-626"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148057830","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Tractor-Operating Farmers in a Subdistrict of Roi Et Province, Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Anousith Syphanh, Sunisa Chaiklieng","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2709436","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2709436","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a major occupational health problem among the Thai workforce. Tractor operation enhances agricultural productivity but exposes workers to substantial ergonomic and physical risks, particularly vibration and sustained awkward postures. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine factors associated with MSDs among tractor-operating farmers in a subdistrict of Roi Et Province, Thailand.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted among 133 tractor-operating farmers selected through proportional stratified random sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires assessing personal and work characteristics, Self-Ergonomics Risk Factor Assessment (SERFA), Musculoskeletal Disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire (MSFQ), and Subjective Workload Index (SWI). Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, and adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported at <i>p</i>-value < .05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of MSDs among participants was 62.40%, and the lower back was the most affected region of disorders (60.14%). Factors associated with MSDs included tractor-driving experience <10 years (ORadj = 3.14, 95%CI: 1.18-8.30), maximum engine speed ≥2000 rpm (ORadj = 4.68, 95%CI: 1.48-14.73), years of tractor use ≥5 years (ORadj = 9.20, 95%CI: 2.67-31.69), high SWI (≥3) (ORadj = 3.56, 95%CI: 1.24-10.19), high SERFA risk level (ORadj = 5.14, 95%CI: 1.30-20.34), and perceived vibration exposure (ORadj = 3.01, 95%CI: 1.18-7.67). Frequent posture adjustment was inversely associated with MSDs (ORadj = 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04-0.49).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>In conclusion, tractor-driving characteristics, duration of tractor use, SWI, and postural ergonomics were associated with MSDs in this tractor-operating farmer group. Perceived vibration exposure may be an important factor associated with MSDs, suggesting that engine speed management and ergonomic improvement may be considered as potential occupational health strategies for tractor-operating farmers.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"780-792"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148654783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Individual and Work-Related Risk Factors on Hand Grip Strength During Pruning Task of Greenhouse Farmers.","authors":"Rahul Jain, Reema Jain, Chinmay Pancholi, Kunj Bihari Rana, Makkhan Lal Meena","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2693203","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2693203","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Greenhouse pruning involves repetitive hand movements, sustained grip force, and prolonged exposure to heat, placing farmers at risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This study examined the effects of individual, work-related, and environmental factors on hand grip strength (HGS) among greenhouse farmers during pruning tasks.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A field-based repeated-measures study was conducted among 100 greenhouse farmers performing tomato-pruning activities under real-time greenhouse conditions. HGS was measured six times daily over a 15-day pruning period using a digital hand dynamometer for both hands. Anthropometric variables, pruning tool type, and environmental temperature were recorded. Hierarchical linear mixed-effects modelling was performed to account for within-subject variability across repeated work phases and working days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean HGS was 32.55 ± 5.41 kg for the dominant hand and 28.24 ± 5.05 kg for the non-dominant hand. Dominant hand usage, gender, and forearm-to-hand length were the strongest predictors of HGS. HGS progressively declined across work phases, with an overall reduction of approximately 7.6% from morning to evening work periods. Male participants demonstrated consistently greater HGS values than female participants. HGS was significantly associated with anthropometric characteristics. Indoor greenhouse temperature demonstrated a weak negative but statistically non-significant association with HGS.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Repetitive greenhouse pruning tasks contribute to progressive reductions in HGS during prolonged work periods. Anthropometric characteristics and pruning tool design substantially influence grip performance during pruning activities. The findings support ergonomic interventions, including optimized tool design, task-specific training, and work-rest scheduling, to reduce cumulative upper-extremity loading and improve occupational health among greenhouse farmers.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"718-731"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148320333","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Framing Agricultural Injuries: An Analytical and Anthropologic Review of Media Coverage in a Multi-State Region.","authors":"Avery Uffelmann, Cheryl Beseler, Ellen Duysen","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2679275","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2679275","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Agricultural injuries are frequently underreported and understudied, despite their significant impact on the individuals and communities affected. Local news media often serve as one of the few public-facing sources of information about such incidents, typically reporting on who was involved, what occurred, where and when the event happened, and occasionally, why it took place. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the demographic characteristicsand narrative themes found in media reports of agricultural injuries across seven Midwestern states. Using anthropological approaches and perspectives, the research explored how media portrayals of these incidents may shape public perceptions of agricultural risk and influence safety-related behaviors within ruralcommunities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A database was developed using media reports of agricultural injuries collected by the Central States Center fo rAgricultural Safety and Health (CS-CASH) and Ag Injury News. The dataset included 154 news articles published between 2017 and 2024, documenting 200 agricultural injuries. Demographic and narrative content were analyzed to address the following research questions: (1) What types of messaging are emphasized in media headlines? (2) What forms of support for victims are mentioned in the articles? and (3) How is injury prevention addressed within the narratives?</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis revealed a high incidence of roadway-related injuries and identified injury trends disproportionately affecting older and male agricultural workers. Nearly one-third of the articles analyzed referred to incidents as \"accidents,\" suggesting a potentially passive framing of preventable events. Prevention was mentioned in only 31.2% of articles; 24.7% referenced risky behaviors, while just 3.9% explicitly described prevention techniques. The data also offer insight into rural support systems, with references to financial or labor support, emotional support, and faith-based support. Furthermore, 63% of headlines conveyed no clear sentiment, and none of the reports included injuries involving immigrant workers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings support recommendations for journalists to enhance both the quality and frequency of prevention messaging and to avoid using the term \"accident\" when describing preventable incidents. Additionally, health and safety professionals can use these insights, particularly the influence of community, faith, and economics to inform the development of culturally appropriate prevention strategies and interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"590-599"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148037061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Associations of Occupational Exposures on Environmental Allergies Among Farmers and Ranchers in the Central United States.","authors":"Alexandrea Welch, Cheryl Beseler, Yi Du, Shaun Cross, Risto H Rautiainen","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2660987","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2660987","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Importance: </strong>Environmental allergies plague millions of adults every year. Farmers and ranchers are at a heightened risk of exposure to allergens due to their occupation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>Few studies have addressed the contribution of occupational exposures to environmental allergies and potential preventive strategies to reduce exposure. The objective of this study is to determine whether occupational exposures affect the risk of environmental allergies among farmers and ranchers in the central midwestern states.</p><p><strong>Design: </strong>Surveillance data from the Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health Farm and Ranch Health and Safety Surveys from 2018, 2020, and 2023 were analyzed to investigate risk factors for environmental allergies. Logistic regression was used to evaluate associations.</p><p><strong>Setting: </strong>The study was conducted across seven states, including Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Surveys were mailed to randomly selected agricultural operations.</p><p><strong>Participants: </strong>Eligible participants were farm and ranch operators with an email address and an estimated gross farm income of at least $5,000. The study was sent to \"operators\" defined as those who manage a farm or ranch business.</p><p><strong>Main outcome(s) and measure(s): </strong>The primary outcome variable is the presence of environmental allergies, assessed through self-reported physician-diagnosed allergies. The primary variable of interest was air contaminant exposure. Additional predictor variables included skin exposures, musculoskeletalexposures, workstrain symptoms,musculoskeletal discomfort, sex, age, type of operation, primary occupation, percentage of worktime, and production variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Beingfemale (OR = 1.84) and having a primary occupation other than farm/ranch work (OR = 1.47) were significantly associated with higher odds of environmental allergies. Surprisingly, participants without symptoms of work strain (OR = 1.72), musculoskeletal discomfort (OR = 1.93), and musculoskeletal exposures (OR = 1.48) were positivelyassociated with environmental allergies. Occupational exposures, including respiratory exposure to grain, feed, or hay dust (OR = 1.43), road dust (OR = 1.39), skin contact with pesticides or fertilizers (OR = 1.22), and detergents and disinfectants (OR = 1.22) increased theodds of having environmental allergies. Dairy (OR = 0.61) and grainproduction (OR = 0.75) decreased the odds.</p><p><strong>Conclusionsand relevance: </strong>These findings highlight the need for occupational health interventions aimed at reducing respiratory and skin exposures in farm and ranch environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"530-540"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147786804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessing Bovine Exposure and IgE Levels Among Dairy Workers Using a Risk Matrix.","authors":"Hilary McLeland-Wieser, Marissa Baker, Julianne Meisner, Peter Rabinowitz","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2667778","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2667778","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Dairy workers face a range of occupational risks and outcomes, including acute and chronic respiratory hazards. However, the evidence for negative respiratory outcomes is mixed. Thus, more research is needed to understand the connection between occupational exposures and health outcomes on dairy farms to facilitate the development, implementation, and evaluation of improved programs and processes for injury and illness prevention. This study contributes to this need by evaluating the association between exposure risk and bovine-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E levels among dairy workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Dairy workers (<i>n</i> = 36) self-reported time spent in various dairy-related tasks, as well as personal protective equipment used during all tasks. This information was used to develop job risk matrices for each task and all tasks combined. Serum bovine dander IgE levels were determined for all participants, and the association between exposure and IgE was assessed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven participants (19.4%) had an elevated bovine IgE level. Those with elevated IgE had a mean total risk matrix score of 9.0 compared to 7.6 for those without elevated IgE. In the adjusted models, there were no statistically significant associations between IgE levels and bovine allergen risk matrix scores. However, for the task of herd health, a one-point increase in the bovine allergen risk matrix score was associated with a 1.42 kU/L increase in anti-bovine IgE (<i>p</i> = .08).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This work shows the feasibility of using a semi-quantitative task risk matrix to more formally conceptualize dairy worker occupational exposure risk to a respiratory hazard. While not statistically significant, this study identified a positive association between performing herd health tasks and having elevated bovine IgE levels. This suggests task risk matrix approaches may be useful in studying other respiratory hazards in dairy production, including infectious agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"553-560"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147845137","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Farmers' Perspectives on Chronic Pain and Chronic Pain Management Strategies.","authors":"Indika Koralegedera, Gemma Skaczkowski, G Lorimer Moseley, Ashley R Grant, Felicity A Braithwaite, Kate M Gunn","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2686371","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2686371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aimed to explore farmers' perspectives on: 1) the meaning of chronic pain, 2) its impact, 3) their preferences for chronic pain management in the future, and 4) views on specific evidence-based chronic pain management strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Australian farmers with a history of chronic pain within the last 12 months. A positivist, descriptive approach to Thematic Analysis was employed for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Sixteen Australian farmers, aged 36-75 years, participated. Five themes and 11 sub-themes were identified: 1) pain is a normal part of life that we need to push through over the long term, but we do not talk about pain. It also means we need to learn to do things differently. We understand that there is no quick fix, so need long-term solutions. 2) Pain negatively affects my life and makes it hard to do what I want to do. It affects my mental health, ability to make decisions and relationships and costs me time and money. 3) We need access to clear, concise, and farmer-friendly pain education and support. We value advice and support from our peers. How we want pain education delivered depends on our age. Minimising travel and time investment makes it easier for us to engage with pain education. 4) We like to be able to self-manage pain and can be reluctant to seek professional help. Over-the-counter pain medications are often the first point of call for pain management. We prefer not to see a general practitioner (GP) or surgeon unless there is no other choice. We are open to psychological therapies as a strategy to improve pain, but initially find it difficult to understand their relevance to pain management. 5) Generally open to physiotherapy, chiropractic methods, pain education and tailored exercise programmes, but mixed views on needling and alternative approaches.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Farmers perceive pain as a normal part of their lives. However, it adversely impacts their physical wellbeing, mental health, livelihoods and quality of life. Tailored, farmer-focused, evidence-based approaches to pain education and management are needed to better support this at-risk group.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"640-651"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148260174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Widespread Use of Banned Pesticides and Weak Regulatory Enforcement: Environmental and Health Implications Among Farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria.","authors":"Mohammad Bashir Sulaiman, Babangida Hammani, Abdullahi Muhammad Gimba, Oluyinka Omoyeni Akinlotan, Aliyu Tijjani Fadawa, Umar Musa Kwami, Taibatu Idris Umar, Amina Muhammad Bello","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2704828","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2704828","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>The misuse of pesticides in agriculture poses serious environmental and public health risks. This study assessed patterns of pesticide use and self-reported health symptoms among farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire among 146 farmers in the Yamaltu-Deba local government area. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, pesticide types used, handling practices, self-reported health symptoms following pesticide application, and perceptions of environmental impacts were collected.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among the pesticides reported by farmers, organophosphates (36%), organochlorines (34%), pyrethroids (22.7%), and carbamates (7.5%) were commonly used. The most frequently self-reported symptoms after pesticide application were headaches (55.2%), dizziness (54.3%), itchy eyes (49.5%), stomachache (43.5%), and respiratory symptoms (41.6%). Most farmers (78.2%) were unaware that pesticide use could affect biodiversity. Only 22% of the respondents reported reading and following the instructions on the pesticide label, whereas 64% had never received training on safe pesticide handling. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships between gender and both health effects (<i>r</i> = 0.452, <i>p</i> < .05) and handling procedures (<i>r</i> = 0.452, <i>p</i> < .05), indicating that male farmers reported more symptoms and riskier practices. Years of experience showed a significant negative correlation with health effects (<i>r</i> = -0.633, <i>p</i> < .01), suggesting that formal training remains critically inadequate, although experience may lead to adaptive behaviors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings reveal gaps in farmers' knowledge of pesticide risks, limited adherence to safety practices, and a high prevalence of self-reported symptoms consistent with pesticide exposure. The findings underscore the urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement, targeted farmer education programs that overcome language and literacy barriers, and the promotion of safer pest management alternatives to mitigate escalating environmental and public health risks in Nigeria.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"755-769"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148551259","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Do Farmers Understand the Meaning of Toxicity Color Codes of Pesticide Containers?","authors":"Anisha Sapkota, Kishor Atreya","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2672735","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2672735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Toxicity color codes on pesticide containers communicate the risk between manufacturers and farmers; however, their effectiveness in developing countries, like Nepal, remains understudied. This study thus aimed to identify factors influencing farmers' understanding and their correct interpretation of the toxicity color codes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Survey data from 270 households in Kavrepalanchok district, Nepal, was used, where respondents were primary pesticide applicators. Probit regression was run separately to identify the factors influencing (1) the understanding of the meaning of toxicity color codes for the whole sample and (2) correct interpretation of the least toxic color code as green for the sub-sample who responded \"YES\" to the first question. Finally, ordered probit regression identified factors influencing (3) toxicity color code literacy: illiteracy, partial literacy, or full literacy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the total respondents, only 49% stated they understood the meaning of toxicity color codes, yet only half of them correctly interpreted the least toxic color code as green. Farmers' understanding was significantly influenced by location, higher education, when males purchase pesticides, participation in integrated pest management-farmer's field school training, and prior experience of health effects associated with pesticide use (<i>p</i> < .05). All these factors also significantly influenced toxicity color code literacy. However, females (<i>p</i> = .023) and educated farmers (<i>p</i> = .005) correctly interpreted the least toxic color code as green, highlighting the need for inclusive education-based interventions in risk communication.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results show a distinction between self-reported farmers' understanding of toxicity color codes on pesticide containers and their correct interpretation. We suggest that risk communication interventions be redesigned to improve visual literacy and that gender-sensitive training be included to enhance literacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"576-589"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147870096","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated with Quality of Life Among Agricultural Workers of Durian Cultivation in Southern Thailand.","authors":"Muttika Yongpraderm, Noppanun Nankongnab, Pornpimol Kongtip, Prasong Kitidumrongsuk, Chaiyanun Tangtong, Sumate Pengpumkiat, Parinya Panuwet","doi":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2687772","DOIUrl":"10.1080/1059924X.2026.2687772","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Quality of life (QoL) is an individual's perception of life quality based on cultural values, goals, and standards in physical, psychological, social, and environmental aspects. The objective of this study was to investigate the associations between demographic characteristics, health information factors, and the QoL of durian farmworkers. Additionally, proposed implementation strategies were developed based on factors associated with the QoL.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study was designed to assess the QoL of 160 durian farmworkers in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and a face-to-face interview was conducted using a structural questionnaire that collected general demographic characteristics and health information. The validated, Thai-translated World Health Organization Quality-of-Life Scale (WHOQOL-BREF) tool was used to collect data on the QoL. The multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the factors associated with the QoL. The finding factors were used to propose implementation strategies aligned with the RE-AIM principles (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority (83.1%) of durian farmworkers reported a good QoL, with an overall mean score of 106.9 (range: 80-130). Domain-specific scores of physical health 27.1 (range: 20-34), mental health 25.3 (range: 16-30), social relationships 12.8 (range: 8-15), and environment 31.8 (range: 16-40) were within the good level. The results showed that stress, age, marital status, and annual income were significantly associated with the QoL (<i>p</i> < .05). Based on four key factors, proposed implementation strategies were developed, including expected outcome, activities, lead person, timelines, resources, and the evaluation method for RE-AIM alignment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights age, marital status, annual income, and stress as key factors influencing the QoL of durian farmworkers. The proposed implementation strategies, may help inform health promotion and community-based initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of durian farmworkers and potentially similar fruit cultivation systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":49172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Agromedicine","volume":" ","pages":"663-676"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148320338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}