Vuyelwa Ndlovu1, Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie, Mohamed F Jeebhay. 1. Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health Research, School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa; Department of Environmental Science and Health, Faculty of Applied Sciences, National University of Science and Technology, Ascot, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated asthma and pesticides among women farm workers in developing countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticides and asthma among rural women (n = 211). Outcome measurements included respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire), immunological status (Phadiatop, serum IgE to mite allergens) and lower airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels). Exposure variables included self-reported pesticide exposure and whole blood cholinesterase (ChE). RESULTS: The prevalence of ocular-nasal symptoms (ONS), doctor-diagnosed asthma and current asthma was 24%, 11%, and 6% respectively. ONS was positively associated with re-entering a sprayed field (OR = 2.97; CI: 0.93-9.50). Asthma symptom score was associated with low ChE (OR = 1.93; CI: 1.09-3.44). Participants with high FeNO (>50 ppb) also had an elevated odds of having low ChE (OR = 4.8; CI: 0.80-28.00). CONCLUSION: Pesticide exposure among women farm workers is associated with increased risk of ocular nasal symptoms and an elevated asthma symptom score.
BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated asthma and pesticides among women farm workers in developing countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the association between pesticides and asthma among rural women (n = 211). Outcome measurements included respiratory symptoms (European Community Respiratory Health Survey questionnaire), immunological status (Phadiatop, serum IgE to mite allergens) and lower airway inflammation (fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels). Exposure variables included self-reported pesticide exposure and whole blood cholinesterase (ChE). RESULTS: The prevalence of ocular-nasal symptoms (ONS), doctor-diagnosed asthma and current asthma was 24%, 11%, and 6% respectively. ONS was positively associated with re-entering a sprayed field (OR = 2.97; CI: 0.93-9.50). Asthma symptom score was associated with low ChE (OR = 1.93; CI: 1.09-3.44). Participants with high FeNO (>50 ppb) also had an elevated odds of having low ChE (OR = 4.8; CI: 0.80-28.00). CONCLUSION: Pesticide exposure among women farm workers is associated with increased risk of ocular nasal symptoms and an elevated asthma symptom score.
Authors: Brooke Alhanti; Berna van Wendel de Joode; Manuel Soto Martinez; Ana M Mora; Leonel Córdoba Gamboa; Brian Reich; Christian H Lindh; Marcela Quirós Lépiz; Jane A Hoppin Journal: Occup Environ Med Date: 2021-12-30 Impact factor: 4.948
Authors: Hussein H Mwanga; Mohamed Aqiel Dalvie; Tanusha S Singh; Kalavati Channa; Mohamed F Jeebhay Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2016-09-27 Impact factor: 3.390