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BackgroundAcute pesticide intoxication has an important public health significance in Ethiopia, but there is limited information about the risk factors of API. Flower farm and small-scale farm workers may have increased risk of pesticide exposure from pesticides used at their work place. This study investigates the risk factors of API among flower farm workers and small-scale farmers, in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional survey involving 516 persons was conducted. Participants were grouped according to their jobs; flower farm workers and small-scale farmers. In a structured interview, participants were asked about possible work-related risk factors of API defined as at least two health symptoms within 48 hours of pesticide exposure the last year. Prevalence ratio was calculated using binomial regression model, adjusted for age; Fishers exact test was used to compare dichotomous variables having small numbers; and Mantel-Haenszel statistics was used to compare the association between the respective risk factors and API between flower farm and small-scale farmers.ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 30 years. Flower farm workers had higher risk of API than small-scale farmers (PR = 4.5, 95% CI: 3.20, 6.35). Among small-scale farmers none of the risk factors were significantly associated with API. Lack of safety training, not following pesticide lable instruction and bathing after pesticide use were significant risk factors for API among flower farm workers. The association between these risk factors and API was significantly different between flower farm and small-scale farmers (p < 0.05). ConclusionWork at flower farm was a significant predictor of API. Lack of pesticide safety training, not following pesticide labels and poor hygiene measures were the risk factors associated with API among flower farm workers, but not among small-scale farmers.

The objective of this study was to describe the relationship between occupational exposures and thedevelopment of lung cancer among the patients attending Bhaktapur Cancer Care Center, Bhaktapur,Nepal. The study subjects consisted of 85 cases of lung cancer and a reference group of 40 cases of coloncancer. Demographic data and information about work history was obtained by a structured interview.Based on the occupational history, subjects were divided into exposed and non-exposed groups concerningcarcinogenic agents. Exposure prone occupations like agriculture, construction of buildings, construction ofroads and bridges, manufacturing, and transport were categorised as exposed occupations. Similarly,occupations like administrative services, business, student and housewives were categorised as non-exposed.Odd ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Adjustmentsfor smoking habit, life long cigarette consumption (smoking pack year), alcohol habit, education level andage were done. The crude OR for the exposed workers was 5.59 (95% CI: 2.47,12.6). After adjustment forsmoking habit alone or for smoking habit, smoking pack year, alcohol habit, education level and age, theOR was 4.8 (95% CI: 2.02,11.4) and 4.2 (95% CI: 1.4,12.0), respectively.The study shows that for the exposed workers there was an increased risk of lung cancer. The risk wassignificantly increased also after adjusting for smoking habit, smoking pack year, alcohol habit, age andeducation level.Key Words: Lung Cancer, occupation, exposure, Nepal.