Serum cholinesterase levels of Thai chilli-farm workers exposed to chemical pesticides: prevalence estimates and associated factors.

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of, and factors associated with, abnormal serum cholinesterase (SChE) levels among chilli-farm workers in Chatturat District, Chaiyaphum Province.

Methods: A total of 350 chilli-farm workers aged 18-60 yr were randomly sampled and interviewed. A reactive-paper finger-blood test was used to assess SChE levels.

Results: The prevalence of abnormal SChE levels was 32.0%. The most common pesticide-related symptoms were dizziness (38.0%), headache (30.9%), nausea/vomiting (26.9%), and fever (26.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed 7 factors were independently associated with abnormal SChE level: male gender, single/separated/divorced, being a permanent worker, spraying pesticide more than 3 times per month, having moderate or poor pesticide-use behaviors, and low perceived susceptibility and severity of pesticide use.

Conclusions: The prevalence of abnormal SChE levels among chilli-farm workers was quite high. It would be beneficial to decrease pesticide use and encourage alternative measures. Effective preventive interventions to increase correct perceptions of pesticide use, the use of personal protective measures and continuing monitoring for blood cholinesterase, especially for male permanent farm workers, are recommended.