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Jallow MFA, Awadh DG, Albaho MS, Devi VY, Thomas BM. Pesticide Knowledge and Safety Practices among Farm Workers in Kuwait: Results of a Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14040340. [PMID: 28338612 PMCID: PMC5409541 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14040340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The unsafe and indiscriminate use of pesticides in agriculture represents a major hazard to the environment and human health. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of knowledge, attitude and practices of Kuwaiti farmers regarding the safe use of pesticides. A total of 250 farmers participated in this study through in-depth interviews and observations on-farm. The majority of the farmers acknowledged that pesticides were harmful to their health (71%) and the environment (65%). However, farmers’ level of knowledge of pesticide safety is insufficient. Over 70% of the farmers did not read or follow pesticide label instructions, and 58% did not use any personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides. Educated farmers were significantly more likely to use PPE compared with famers with limited formal education (χ2 = 9.89, p < 0.05). Storage of pesticides within living areas was reported by 20% of farmers. When disposing of pesticide wastes, respondents adopted unsafe practices such as discarding, incinerating, or burying empty pesticide containers on-farm, or reusing the containers. Farmers also reported disposing leftover pesticide solution or old pesticide stocks on-farm or in the sewer. A significant number (82%) of the farmers reported at least one symptom of acute pesticide poisoning. Although farmers’ knowledge of pesticide hazards was high, the reported safety measures were poor. Comprehensive intervention measures to reduce the health and environmental risks of pesticides are needed, including pesticide safety training programs for farmers, stringent enforcement of pesticide laws, and promoting integrated pest management and non-synthetic methods of pest control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha F A Jallow
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
| | - Dawood G Awadh
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
| | - Mohammed S Albaho
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
| | - Vimala Y Devi
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
| | - Binson M Thomas
- Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait.
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Abdul Hamid Z, Mohd Zulkifly MF, Hamid A, Lubis SH, Mohammad N, Ishak I, Mohd Saat NZ, Othman HF, Ghazali AR, Mohd Rafaai MJ, Mohd Noor MR, Rajab NF. The association of nuclear abnormalities in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells with the health status of different agricultural activities farmers in Peninsular Malaysia. Genes Environ 2016; 38:7. [PMID: 27350827 PMCID: PMC4918015 DOI: 10.1186/s41021-016-0032-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pesticide exposure possesses risk of genotoxicity to humans, particularly farmers. Despite accumulating evidences linking genotoxicity to pesticide exposure, epidemiological studies to address pesticide toxicity in occupationally exposed farmers in Malaysia remain underreported. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the presence of nuclear abnormalities through the assessment of micronucleus (MN) and binucleus (BNu) frequencies in exfoliated buccal epithelial cells from farmers who were exposed to pesticides. A cross-sectional study of farmers among different agricultural activities farmers in Bachok and Pasir Puteh, Kelantan, North East of Peninsular Malaysia was done to evaluate the presence of nuclear abnormalities and its correlation with their health status and farming activities. RESULTS Analysis of buccal cells revealed that the frequency of MN was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in farmers as compared to controls. In contrast, no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed for BNu frequency in between groups. Correlation analysis showed that apart from a significant (p < 0.05) and positive correlation between the duration of fertilizers exposure and frequencies of MN (r = 0.42, P = 0.001) and BNu (r = 0.37, P = 0.02), no other correlation of various confounding factors on the formation of MN and BNu were observed. CONCLUSION In conclusion, pesticide and fertilizers exposure may contribute to the promotion of nuclear anomalies among Malaysian farmers who are engaged in mixed plantation activities. Further assessment of larger populations is important to address and overcome the potential risk of pesticide-induced genotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zariyantey Abdul Hamid
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Mohd Faizal Mohd Zulkifly
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
- />Center for Neuroscience Services and Research (P3Neuro), Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kota Baru, Kelantan Malaysia
| | - Asmah Hamid
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Syarif Husin Lubis
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Nihayah Mohammad
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Ismarulyusda Ishak
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Nur Zakiah Mohd Saat
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Hidayatul Fathi Othman
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Ahmad Rohi Ghazali
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Mohd Jamil Mohd Rafaai
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
| | - Mohamad Roff Mohd Noor
- />Horticulture Research Centre, MARDI, Persiaran MARDI-UPM, Serdang, 43400 Selangor Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- />Biomedical Science Program, School of Diagnostic and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM,), Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, 50300 Malaysia
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Marsh SM, Fosbroke DE. Trends of occupational fatalities involving machines, United States, 1992-2010. Am J Ind Med 2015; 58:1160-73. [PMID: 26358658 PMCID: PMC4711279 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper describes trends of occupational machine-related fatalities from 1992-2010. We examine temporal patterns by worker demographics, machine types (e.g., stationary, mobile), and industries. METHODS We analyzed fatalities from Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. We used injury source to identify machine-related incidents and Poisson regression to assess trends over the 19-year period. RESULTS There was an average annual decrease of 2.8% in overall machine-related fatality rates from 1992 through 2010. Mobile machine-related fatality rates decreased an average of 2.6% annually and stationary machine-related rates decreased an average of 3.5% annually. Groups that continued to be at high risk included older workers; self-employed; and workers in agriculture/forestry/fishing, construction, and mining. CONCLUSION Addressing dangers posed by tractors, excavators, and other mobile machines needs to continue. High-risk worker groups should receive targeted information on machine safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M. Marsh
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research, Surveillance and Field Investigations Branch, Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - David E. Fosbroke
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Safety Research, Surveillance and Field Investigations Branch, Morgantown, West Virginia
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Gaber S, Abdel-Latif SH. Effect of education and health locus of control on safe use of pesticides: a cross sectional random study. J Occup Med Toxicol 2012; 7:3. [PMID: 22364384 PMCID: PMC3307429 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6673-7-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2011] [Accepted: 02/25/2012] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Egypt, many pesticides are used to control pests in agricultural farms. Our study aimed to investigate knowledge and behaviors of farmers related to pesticide use and their relation to educational level and health locus of control. Health locus of control is the degree to which individuals believe that their health is controlled by internal or external factors. Methods A cross-sectional randomized approach was used to collect data from 335 farmers in Mahmoudiya region, Egypt using an interview questionnaire. Results were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Student t-test and ANOVA. Results The average age of farmers was 34 years and 61% of them didn't receive school education. School education was related to higher levels of knowledge and behaviors. Farmers who received school education had more knowledge about the negative effects of pesticides on health and routes of contamination with pesticides. They also had higher scores on reading labels of pesticides containers and taking precautions after coming in contact with pesticides. Regarding health locus of control, higher internal beliefs were significantly related to higher knowledge and behaviors scores, while there was no significant relation between chance and powerful others beliefs with knowledge or behaviors. Conclusion In the present study, higher level of education and lower level of internal beliefs were related to better knowledge and safer use of pesticides among Egyptian farmers. We recommend that strategies for raising internal beliefs must be included in health education programs that aim to ameliorate pesticides use among farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherine Gaber
- Health Education and Behavioral Sciences, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
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DellaValle CT, Hoppin JA, Hines CJ, Andreotti G, Alavanja MCR. Risk-accepting personality and personal protective equipment use within the Agricultural Health Study. J Agromedicine 2012; 17:264-76. [PMID: 22732067 PMCID: PMC3425362 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2012.686390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Pesticide exposures can be reduced by use of personal protective equipment as well as proper mixing and application practices. The authors examined the effects of risk-accepting personality on personal protective equipment (PPE) use and mixing and application practices among private pesticide applicators and their spouses within the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) in Iowa and North Carolina and commercial applicators in Iowa. The AHS follow-up questionnaire included four questions designed to assess attitudes toward risk. Analysis was limited to those who were currently working on a farm or registered as a commercial applicator and indicated current pesticide use (n=25,166). Respondents who answered three or more questions in the affirmative (private applicators: n=4160 [21%]; commercial applicators: n=199 [14%]; spouses: n=829 [23%]) were classified as having a risk-accepting personality. Logistic regression was used to evaluate specific work practices associated with risk-accepting attitudes. Among private applicators, the likelihood of using any PPE when mixing or loading pesticides was lower among risk-acceptors compared to risk-averse individuals (odds ratio [OR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65-0.79). A similar relationship was observed among commercial applicators (OR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.34-1.77) but not among spouses (OR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.90-1.33). Among private applicators, risk-acceptors were more likely than the risk-averse to apply pesticides within 50 feet of the home (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.01-1.44), compared to further than ¼ mile. These findings suggest that the decisions to use personal protective equipment and properly handle/apply pesticides may be driven by risk-accepting personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Curt T DellaValle
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Esechie JO, Ibitayo OO. Pesticide use and related health problems among greenhouse workers in Batinah Coastal Region of Oman. J Forensic Leg Med 2011; 18:198-203. [PMID: 21663866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2011.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Pesticide practices and the health problems associated with pesticide exposure among 74 greenhouse workers in the Batinah Coastal Region of Oman were investigated. The workers were mostly migrant workers from India (37.8%), Bangladesh (28.4%), Nepal (14.9%), Sri Lanka (8.1%) and Pakistan (5.4%). Majority of the workers (44%) had some primary education, were between 31 and 40 years of age (50%), were married (85.1%) and had been applying pesticides for over 10 years (32.4%). Occupational and phytosanitary practices among the pesticide workers were poor, as most of the workers (59.5%) did not wash their hands after pesticide application, many (43.2%) did not shower and some (20.3%) did not change their clothes. Their methods of handling of partly used pesticides were questionable, with 81.1% storing them in other rooms in the house and 14.9% storing them in their bedrooms. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as nose mask, overall and eye goggles were hardly used during pesticide application. Some of the reported health symptoms due to pesticide exposure were skin irritation (70.3%), burning sensation (39.2%), headache (33.8%), vomiting (29.7%) and salivation (21.6%). It was suggested that a provision be included in the Pesticide Laws of Oman that makes it mandatory for greenhouse owners to provide their workers with PPE. Also, regular training programs should be organized for the greenhouse pesticide workers to improve their ability to handle hazardous chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jovita O Esechie
- Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy, Texas Southern University, Houston, TX 77004, USA.
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Graveling R, Sánchez-Jiménez A, Lewis C, Groat S. Protecting respiratory health: what should be the constituents of an effective RPE programme? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 55:230-8. [PMID: 21257742 DOI: 10.1093/annhyg/meq098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Although personal respiratory protection is widely recognized as having a lower priority than reduction of any risk at source, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a major part of risk management for many employers. We have identified the key elements of what constitutes an effective risk control programme involving RPE, through a 3-fold approach involving (i) a review of the published scientific literature, (ii) exploring the issue through >40 years of research publications from the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) (in which the ergonomics of personal protection equipment has been a significant thread), and (iii) a series of interviews and discussions with IOM and Health and Safety Executive staff with experience in the testing, prescription, or use of RPE. We have used the findings to formulate a series of recommendations for the constituents of an effective RPE programme. The role of management is paramount in recognizing the need for and providing appropriate RPE, which is both technically and ergonomically effective. Only then does any focus on the role of the employee, in wearing the RPE correctly at the appropriate times, becomes viable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Graveling
- Institute of Occupational Medicine, Research Avenue North, Riccarton, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK.
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Myers JR, Layne LA, Marsh SM. Injuries and fatalities to U.S. farmers and farm workers 55 years and older. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:185-94. [PMID: 19016260 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that older farmers and farm workers have been identified at high risk for farm fatalities, most notably involving tractor overturns. Older farmers also incur more severe non-fatal injuries. METHODS Data from two national surveillance systems are presented to describe fatal and non-fatal injuries occurring to older farmers 55+ years of age. Tractor-related fatality investigations for older farmers are examined for characteristics of the tractors not available in the injury surveillance systems. RESULTS Older farmers and farm workers averaged 26,573 lost-time injuries annually in 2001 and 2004, with an injury rate of 4.5 injuries/100 workers/year compared to an overall farming injury rate of 4.8 injuries/100 workers/year. Fatality data show that older farmers accounted for over half of all farming deaths between 1992 and 2004 (3,671 of 7,064 deaths), and had a fatality rate of 45.8 deaths/100,000 workers/year compared to the overall farming fatality rate of 25.4 deaths/100,000 workers/year. Most common mechanisms of fatal injury to older farmers were "tractors" (46%), "trucks" (7%), and "animals" (5%). CONCLUSIONS Although older farmers and farm workers are at lower risk of overall injury compared to their younger counterparts, injuries to farmers 55 years and older tend to be much more severe. To effectively minimize the risk faced by older farmers, prevention programs must encourage safe work behaviors and practices and the implementation/installation of appropriate safety devices and equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Myers
- Division of Safety Research, NIOSH, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. Carrabba
- a Agricultural Safety Specialist , The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health , Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - Sharon Scofield
- b Outreach/Education Supervisor , The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health , Cooperstown, New York, USA
| | - John May
- c The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health , Cooperstown, New York, USA
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Gomez MI, Hwang SA, Lin S, Stark AD, May JJ, Hallman EM. Prevalence and predictors of respiratory symptoms among New York farmers and farm residents. Am J Ind Med 2004; 46:42-54. [PMID: 15202124 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from telephone interviews with New York farmers and farm residents were used to study the prevalence and risk factors of symptoms that could be related to asthma and allergies. METHODS Participants were asked if they had wheezing or whistling in the chest in the past year and about the occurrence of stuffy, itchy, runny nose or watery, itchy eyes in the past year. RESULTS The prevalence of wheeze was 18.2% and of stuffy nose/watery eyes was 57.4% (N = 1,620). Significant risk factors for wheeze were cigarette smoking, a systemic reaction to allergy skin testing, immunotherapy, or insect sting, reactivity to a pet, having goats, and more acreage in corn for silage. Significant risk factors of stuffy nose/watery eyes were younger age, having more than a high school education, being a worker on the farm, and having done spraying. CONCLUSIONS Wheeze may be indicative of existing or latent asthma, a potentially limiting respiratory illness. Stuffy, itchy, runny nose or watery, itchy eyes, which may cause irritation and discomfort, may also indicate an increased sensitivity to respirable dusts and chemicals. This cohort of New York farmers had significant farm-related risk factors for wheeze and stuffy nose/watery eyes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta I Gomez
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Troy, New York 12180-2216, USA.
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Gomez MI, Hwang SA, Sobotova L, Stark AD, May JJ. A comparison of self-reported hearing loss and audiometry in a cohort of New York farmers. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2001; 44:1201-1208. [PMID: 11776358 DOI: 10.1044/1092-4388(2001/093)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
The New York State Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance was conducted to assess the health status and safety practices among year-round adult farmers and farm residents in New York State and included a telephone interview survey of 1,727 persons from 552 farms. To determine the extent to which self-reported hearing loss is in agreement with audiometry, a subset of 376 participants who completed a hearing loss interview and pure-tone audiometry was analyzed. Thirty-six percent of the participants had self-reported hearing loss, defined as at least some difficulty hearing in one or both ears. The prevalence of audiometric hearing impairment, defined as a threshold average greater than 25 dB hearing level, was 9% for the binaural low-frequency average (500, 1000, and 2000 Hz), 29% for the binaural mid-frequency average (1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz), and 47% for the binaural high-frequency average (3000, 4000, 6000, and 8000 Hz). Agreement between self-report and audiometry was highest for the binaural mid-frequency average (kappa statistic 55%, sensitivity 77%, and specificity 82%). Self-reported hearing loss was found to be a moderately good measure of hearing impairment. We conclude that a simple questionnaire focusing on hearing difficulty is a useful and valid tool for conducting epidemiologic studies of farmers. Whenever possible, a substudy using audiometry should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Gomez
- New York State Department of Health, Troy, USA.
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Hwang SA, Gomez MI, Sobotova L, Stark AD, May JJ, Hallman EM. Predictors of hearing loss in New York farmers. Am J Ind Med 2001; 40:23-31. [PMID: 11439394 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.1068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from the telephone interview portion of the New York Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance were used to study self-reported hearing loss in New York farmers. METHODS One thousand six hundred and twenty-two persons completed the hearing loss and noise exposure interview. Hearing loss was defined as at least some trouble hearing in one or both ears. Predictors of hearing loss were determined using logistic regression. RESULTS Twenty-two percent of participants reported hearing loss. From the logistic regression, significant confounders are age (P = 0.0001), gender (P = 0.0001), being from a livestock farm (P = 0.012), and loss of consciousness due to head trauma (P = 0.04). Significant noise exposures are more hours of lifetime exposure to noisy farm equipment (P = 0.001) and having had a noisy non-farm job (with some hearing protection P = 0.002, without any hearing protection P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Farm noise exposure is a serious risk to the hearing of this population. Although use of hearing protection should be encouraged, replacing and modifying farm equipment to decrease noise at the source should be the first priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Hwang
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Troy, NY 12180-2216, USA.
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Hwang SA, Gomez MI, Stark AD, St John TL, May JJ, Hallman EM. Severe farm injuries among New York farmers. Am J Ind Med 2001; 40:32-41. [PMID: 11439395 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data from the telephone interview portion of the New York State Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance were used to study the incidence and predictors of severe farm injury. METHODS One thousand seven hundred and six participants completed two telephone interviews in which they reported all injuries over a 12-month period. RESULTS Nine percent of participants reported at least one severe farm injury. Using logistic regression the significant risk factors for sustaining at least one severe farm injury are younger age, the presence of hearing loss or joint trouble, working more hours per day, being the owner/operator of the farm, and being from a farm with higher gross sales. CONCLUSIONS There needs to be continuing education of all farmers as to the risks of injury. However, when resources are limited, we recommend that injury education and interventions in this farming population should target younger farmers, those who work longer hours, owner/operators, farmers from higher grossing farms, with special attention to farmers who have physical impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Hwang
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, New York State Department of Health, Troy, New York 12180-2216, USA
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