Association Of Pesticides Exposure With Leukocyte Level In Women Farmers In Bandungan Village, Bandungan Sub District, Semarang Regency

Abstract

Leukocytes were one component of blood profile. Blood profile included leukocyte levels was one of the impacts of pesticide exposure. Bandungan village was a horticultural area that used pesticides. In this area, most women farmworkers of childbearing age which make them having great risk to have abnormalities of blood profile included leukocyte levels. Pesticide exposure among women farmworkers, and even less is known about the exposure associated with performing specific farm tasks. Using a random sample of 54 farmworkers in Bandungan Village, Semarang Regency. This study examined the association between pesticide exposure residues and leukocyte levels in blood samples of women farmworkers. Commonly reported farm tasks were length of work (p value=0,018 r= 0,321), spraying frequencies (p value= 0,034  r= 0,289), quantity and types of pesticides (p value= 0,049, CI 95%= 0,796-61,525), and using of personal protective equipment (p value= 0,008 CI 95%= 1,351-105,545),  associated with increased of leukocytes differential count.  The result of  logistic regression analysis showed that using of PPE associated with increased of leukocytes differential count (p=0,004, RP=7,50, 95% CI=1,92 to 29,29). Conclusion of the findings showed relation between pesticides exposure and increased of leukocytes differential count. This study can be used to give information about pesticide reduction programs and health impacts of using pesticide in agricultural areas.