Work-related diseases among agriculturists in Thailand: A systematic review

Abstract

This systematic review aimed to summarize the prevalence of work-related diseases among agriculturists in Thailand. A meta-analysis of prespecified subgroups of health hazards and effects from primary studies was conducted. The articles were searched for by using the following electronic databases: PubMed, TCI, and ThaiLIS published between 2007 and 2017. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed by using the I2 and Chi-square test. Data from 34 articles were analyzed using STATA and a comprehensive meta-analysis on the prevalence of diseases performed. The highest estimated pooled prevalence (random effects model) was that of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at 67.8% (95%CI 66.3-69.3), followed by those of chemical hazard at 52.8% (95%CI 50.5-55.1), and other health effects, including heat effects, skin irritation and injuries, at 53.1% (95%CI 51.7-54.4). This review shows that a health surveillance program using big data management to show workrelated diseases and Thai government support in strategic planning to decrease the prevalence of MSDs and pesticide exposure among agriculturists are a priority.

Keywords

• agriculture
• health effect
• hazard
• occupational disease
• injuries
• meta-analysis