Neurobehavioral and Menstrual Disorders among Adolescent Females Environmentally Exposed to Pesticides, Menoufia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescent females living in agricultural areas where crops are routinely sprayed by pesticides are expected to be environmentally exposed to pesticidesˊ health hazards partially as those occupationally exposed. Aim of work: to assess neurobehavioral and menstrual disorders among adolescent females environmentally exposed to pesticides. Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 100 pesticide exposed adolescent females who had one or more of family members are pesticidesˊ seasonal applicators and 50 non-exposed adolescent females matched for age and education, served as controls at Menoufia governorate, Egypt; during the period of pesticide application season of cotton crop from the first of May to the end of September 2017. A self-administered questionnaire and a series of neurobehavioral tests were administered and serum acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) activity was assessed. Results: A significant lower AChE activity levels were detected among the exposed group compared to the controls (Mean±SD=238.49± 23.83 vs 303.35±78.54 IU/L; respectively). There were significant higher mean scores of trail making test (parts 1 and 2) and significant lower mean scores of (similarities test, Benton visual retention test, block design test, Santa Ana dexterity test (dominant and non-dominant hands) and Beery visuo-motor imitation test among the exposed group compared to the controls (P<0.05). Also, the exposed group reported more prevalent irregular menstrual cycle (26.8%) and intermenstrual bleeding (28.2%) compared to the control participants (8.1% and 8.1%; respectively). Conclusion and recommendations: Adolescent females living in agricultural areas and from families whose one or more members are pesticidesˊ applicators had significantly lower neurobehavioral performance, report more prevalent menstrual irregularities and have lower levels of serum AChE compared to the control group. The neurobehavioral deficits demonstrated a dose-response relationship with AChE levels

Evaluation of Biological and Sociodemographic Factors Affecting Dysmenorrhea

“…Secondary dysmenorrhea is defined as menstrual pain resulting from anatomical or macroscopic pelvic pathologies. Pain may begin before menstruation and last a few days after menstruation [7].…”