Association between pesticide exposure and neurobehavioral performance of agricultural workers: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background Pesticide exposure has affected humans’ health, especially those directly in contact with a pesticide like agricultural workers. Here, we sought to see a link between pesticide exposure and cognitive impairment among male agricultural workers. Methods We selected 18–60 years old 100 male agricultural workers who came for their health check‐up in the hospital's out‐patient department from August 2020 to May 2021. Standardized questionnaires (German Q18 questionnaire) and WHO Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery were used to examine the neurobehavioral performance of the individuals. The data were presented in a descriptive manner and statistically examined using the chi‐square test. Results The male agricultural workers’ neurobehavioral performance was 46% normal and 54% abnormal. Headaches, impaired focus, short memory, weariness, palpitation, and numbness were the most prevalent neurobehavioral impairments. The chi‐square test revealed that spraying frequency (p =.010), personal protective equipment (PPE) use (p < .001), and smoking habits (p =.006) were all linked to neurobehavioral performance, while spraying duration (p =.804), working years (p =.234), pesticide types (p =.816), and spraying time (p =.867) were not linked to neurobehavioral performance. Conclusion We found that pesticide exposure has a certain role on neurobehavioral performance in adult male agricultural workers as more people have been affected; however, a considerable number of confounding factors might have played a significant role in giving rise to such results. The government should be concerned about farmer's neurobehavioral performance and implement different approaches to minimize the use of pesticides so that agricultural workers can work without any mental health problems.

Keywords

• agriculture worker
• cognitive function
• farmers
• neurobehavioral function
• pesticide