The Influence Of Risk Factors For The Use Of Pesticides On Decreased Lung Function In Horticultural Farmers In Sumber Mufakat Village, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency

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The Influence of Risk Factors for the Use of Pesticides on Decreased Lung Function in Horticultural Farmers in Sumber Mufakat Village, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency

Introduction

The use of pesticides has become a crucial aspect of various human activities, particularly in the agricultural sector. Pesticides play a vital role in controlling pests and plant diseases, but their use can have negative effects on human health and the environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the rate of acute pesticide poisoning in farmers reaches 18.2 per 100,000 farmers per year and 7.4 per 100,000 children in developed countries. This study aims to identify the effect of risk factors for the use of pesticides on decreased lung function in farmers in Sumber Mufakat Village, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency.

Background

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture to control pests and plant diseases. However, their use can have negative effects on human health, including poisoning, respiratory problems, and even cancer. The use of pesticides can also have indirect effects, such as contamination of soil, water, and air. In Sumber Mufakat Village, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency, horticultural farmers are exposed to various risk factors while using pesticides, including smoking behavior, length of exposure to pesticides, and the use of personal protective equipment.

Methodology

This study used an observational analytic method involving 72 horticultural farmers as research subjects in accordance with established inclusion criteria. The results of the examination of pulmonary function using a Spirometry device show that 36.10% of respondents experienced a decrease in lung function, while the other 63.90% did not experience this problem. Further analysis was conducted to identify the main factors that have a significant effect on decreased lung function.

Results

The results of the bivariate analysis showed a p-value value of 0.010 for smoking behavior and 0.041 for the length of exposure to pesticides, both of which are below the p-value of 0.05. This means that there is a significant relationship between these factors and decreased lung function in farmers. On the other hand, other risk factors such as gender, age, type of pesticide, pesticide dose, spraying frequency, length of work, wind direction during spraying, and the use of personal protective equipment do not show a significant effect on decreased lung function.

Discussion

The results of this study highlight the importance of awareness regarding health risks that can arise due to the use of pesticides. Farmers need to be given sufficient information about how to use pesticides safely and the importance of using personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure. In addition, efforts to reduce smoking habits also need to be prioritized as part of the community health program for farmers. With a better understanding of risk factors, it is hoped that the health of farmers can be maintained and their lung functions remain optimal.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence that smoking behavior and the length of exposure to pesticides are significant risk factors for decreased lung function in horticultural farmers in Sumber Mufakat Village, Kabanjahe District, Karo Regency. The results of this study highlight the need for awareness and education programs to inform farmers about the risks associated with the use of pesticides and the importance of using personal protective equipment. Efforts to reduce smoking habits also need to be prioritized as part of the community health program for farmers.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  1. Awareness and education programs: Farmers need to be given sufficient information about how to use pesticides safely and the importance of using personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure.
  2. Reducing smoking habits: Efforts to reduce smoking habits need to be prioritized as part of the community health program for farmers.
  3. Personal protective equipment: Farmers need to use personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of exposure to pesticides.
  4. Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the health of farmers need to be conducted to identify any potential health problems associated with the use of pesticides.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

  1. Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
  2. Selection bias: The selection of participants may have been biased, which may affect the validity of the results.
  3. Measurement error: The measurement of pulmonary function using a Spirometry device may have been subject to error, which may affect the accuracy of the results.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

  1. Large-scale studies: Larger-scale studies need to be conducted to confirm the findings of this study and to identify other risk factors associated with the use of pesticides.
  2. Longitudinal studies: Longitudinal studies need to be conducted to examine the long-term effects of pesticide use on the health of farmers.
  3. Intervention studies: Intervention studies need to be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of awareness and education programs, as well as the use of personal protective equipment, in reducing the risk of exposure to pesticides.
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Influence of Risk Factors for the Use of Pesticides on Decreased Lung Function in Horticultural Farmers

Q: What are the main risk factors associated with the use of pesticides that can lead to decreased lung function in horticultural farmers?

A: The main risk factors associated with the use of pesticides that can lead to decreased lung function in horticultural farmers are smoking behavior and the length of exposure to pesticides.

Q: What is the significance of smoking behavior in relation to decreased lung function in horticultural farmers?

A: Smoking behavior is a significant risk factor for decreased lung function in horticultural farmers. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the lungs and reduce lung function, making it more difficult for farmers to breathe.

Q: How does the length of exposure to pesticides affect lung function in horticultural farmers?

A: The length of exposure to pesticides can also affect lung function in horticultural farmers. The longer a farmer is exposed to pesticides, the higher their risk of developing respiratory problems, including decreased lung function.

Q: What are some other risk factors that can contribute to decreased lung function in horticultural farmers?

A: Other risk factors that can contribute to decreased lung function in horticultural farmers include:

  • Type of pesticide: Some pesticides are more toxic than others and can cause more harm to the lungs.
  • Pesticide dose: Using high doses of pesticides can increase the risk of respiratory problems.
  • Spraying frequency: Frequent spraying can increase the risk of exposure to pesticides and respiratory problems.
  • Length of work: Working long hours can increase the risk of exposure to pesticides and respiratory problems.
  • Wind direction during spraying: Spraying pesticides in windy conditions can increase the risk of exposure to pesticides and respiratory problems.
  • Use of personal protective equipment: Not using personal protective equipment, such as masks and gloves, can increase the risk of exposure to pesticides and respiratory problems.

Q: What can be done to reduce the risk of decreased lung function in horticultural farmers?

A: To reduce the risk of decreased lung function in horticultural farmers, the following measures can be taken:

  • Awareness and education programs: Farmers need to be given sufficient information about how to use pesticides safely and the importance of using personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure.
  • Reducing smoking habits: Efforts to reduce smoking habits need to be prioritized as part of the community health program for farmers.
  • Personal protective equipment: Farmers need to use personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of exposure to pesticides.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the health of farmers need to be conducted to identify any potential health problems associated with the use of pesticides.

Q: What are some potential health problems associated with the use of pesticides in horticultural farmers?

A: Some potential health problems associated with the use of pesticides in horticultural farmers include:

  • Respiratory problems: Pesticides can cause respiratory problems, including decreased lung function, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Cancer: Some pesticides have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, including lung cancer.
  • Neurological problems: Pesticides can cause neurological problems, including headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
  • Reproductive problems: Pesticides can cause reproductive problems, including birth defects and infertility.

Q: What can be done to prevent these health problems in horticultural farmers?

A: To prevent these health problems in horticultural farmers, the following measures can be taken:

  • Awareness and education programs: Farmers need to be given sufficient information about how to use pesticides safely and the importance of using personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of exposure.
  • Reducing smoking habits: Efforts to reduce smoking habits need to be prioritized as part of the community health program for farmers.
  • Personal protective equipment: Farmers need to use personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, and protective clothing, to minimize the risk of exposure to pesticides.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: Regular monitoring and evaluation of the health of farmers need to be conducted to identify any potential health problems associated with the use of pesticides.