The combined effect of behavioural and occupational risk factors on the formation of bronchopulmonary pathology in agricultural workers (literature review)

Abstract

Occupational activities in agricultural workers involve exposure to several harmful environmental and occupational factors potent of affecting workers’ health. In addition to that, low adherence to healthy lifestyles was revealed among agricultural workers. Combined effects produced by behavioural and occupational risk factors can induce pathogenetic mechanisms of occupational, work-related and general somatic diseases, included bronchopulmonary pathology. To obtain necessary information, a search was performed for relevant studies published in the abstract databases Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, RSCI for the period of 2000–2024 by keywords. The review includes data from sixty five full-text sources. Anti-inflammatory effects of alcohol on dust inhalation did not lead to a decrease in adverse impact of the dust factor but instead was accompanied by an increased risk of inflammatory processes in the respiratory organs. The combined contribution made by the dust factor and smoking to development of respiratory pathology remains poorly understood. Workers are affected by a number of factors leading to abdominal obesity, which is a risk factor for the development of bronchopulmonary pathology. Chronic stress, which is typical for agricultural workers, is a risk factor potent of causing diseases of the respiratory system, both by independently triggering pathogenetic mechanisms of disease development and acting indirectly through the formation of metabolic disorders. Conclusion. Agricultural workers are exposed to harmful occupational factors (inorganic dust, organic dust, and pesticides) as well as to relevant behavioural factors (alcohol, smoking, poor nutrition, and psychological stress), which have an adverse effect on the respiratory system. It is necessary to further study the combined influence of behavioural and occupational risk factors on the development of bronchopulmonary pathology in agricultural workers.