Self-Reported Acute Pesticide Poisoning and Associated Factors among Irrigation Farm Workers in Arba Minch Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background:-The health effects from acute intoxications could be localized affecting a particular body part like dermal and ocular effects, such as respiratory, neurological, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems. Misuse of pesticides and improper personal protection increased risk for adverse health effects. Objective: To assess the self- reported acute pesticide poisoning and its associated factors among irrigation farm workers in Arba Minch Zuria district from February – March 2020. Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted. Population Proportional allocation technique was followed by simple random sampling. Structured questionnaire was employed. The data was entered into EPI INFO version 7.0 and imported to SPSS version 22 for further analysis by binary logistic regression model. A bivariable analysis was carried out to identify variables with a p<0.25, COR with 95% CI. A multivariable analysis was done to determine significant association at a p<0.05 and AOR with 95% CI. Frequencies, percentage, mean, SD, tables and graph was used. Results: Our findings indicated that 290 farm workers (72.14%) were complained as pesticide poisoning cases and reported the signs and symptoms of poisoning within the last 12 months. The most frequent pesticide poisoning symptoms were nausea, headache, skin irritation, fever, abdominal pain, eye irritation, diarrhea, shortness of breath and others. In this study powder/dust form of pesticide [AOR: 8.64, (95% CI: 1.56-47.6)], harvesting [AOR: 2.96, (95%CI: 1.06-8.23)], chemicals instructions in a language they did not understand [AOR: 0.75, (95%CI: 0.127, 0.479)] and exposure through ingestion & skin contact [0.96 and 0.77: (95% CI: 0.004, 0.394 and 0.09, 0.599)] respectively were significantly associated with acute pesticide poisoning. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that acute pesticide poisoning is prevalent among studied farm workers. There is a gap of evidence to the risk factors & better to plan for proper use of PPE in Arba Minch Zuria district irrigation farm workers. Key-words: pesticides poisoning, health problems, obsolete pesticides, farm workers