S08-3 Lack of knowledge on pesticides, a significant predictor of acute pesticide intoxication among flower farm workers in ethiopia

Abstract

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.

Pesticide Use Knowledge, Attitude, Practices and Practices Associated Factors Among Floriculture Workers in Bahirdar City, North West, Ethiopia, 2020

“…A floriculture farm consists mostly of 4 departments: greenhouses, packhouse, pesticide spraying, and irrigation. 23 In the greenhouse section, cultivating tasks such as building flowerbeds, applying fertilizers and pesticides, planting, working in flower beds, weeding and cutting, collecting flowers, rising flowerbeds, pruning, and carrying organic waste is carried out. Since workers in the greenhouse are working full day in an enclosed space and pesticides are highly applied in it, they are at a greater risk of pesticides exposure.…”

“…Since workers in the greenhouse are working full day in an enclosed space and pesticides are highly applied in it, they are at a greater risk of pesticides exposure. 23 Pesticides are usually mixed and sprayed manually using spray lances is performed in the spraying department. Manual spraying with spray lances while walking into the spray mist increases pesticide exposure via inhalation and dermal routes.…”

“…Manual spraying with spray lances while walking into the spray mist increases pesticide exposure via inhalation and dermal routes. 23…”

“…Manual spraying with spray lances while walking into the spray mist increases pesticide exposure via inhalation and dermal routes. 23 Post-harvest activities are carried out in the packhouse, where harvested flowers are arranged in the way they would be exported. 24 Workers in the packhouse performed their duties in an enclosed room to protect flower quality, and they may have been exposed to excessive pesticide concentrations.…”

Assessment of health problem and associated factors among flower farm workers in Ejere Woreda, West Showa Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

“…According to the Ethiopia Horticulture Development Agency (EHDA), the amount of foreign currency earnings from flower exports has been steadily increasing over the years. 12,13 In a study conducted in Costa Rica, it was found that over 50% of flower workers experienced pesticide poisoning, while in Ecuador, the figure rose to 60%. 14 Similarly, in Colombia, doctors in flowerproducing regions have reported up to 5 cases of injuries per day according to the Victoria International Development Education Association.…”