Factors related to cholinesterase levels in the blood of farmers Ban Ai Khu Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital District Phrom Khiri District Nakhon Si Thammarat Province
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Abstract
This cross-sectional exploratory research aims to study the factors related to blood cholinesterase levels in farmers. The study population consists of individuals working as farmers who underwent blood cholinesterase enzyme testing in December 2023 at the Ban Ai Khu Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospital, Phrom Khiri District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. A total of 413 people participated. The research tools included a questionnaire and blood cholinesterase enzyme test results using reactive paper. The tools were verified by three experts. The reliability of the knowledge questionnaire was 0.76, the attitude questionnaire was 0.876, and the behavior questionnaire was 0.799. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression. The research findings showed that the majority of farmers had high levels of knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding the use of chemical pesticides (56.42%, 81.11%, and 57.87%, respectively). The blood cholinesterase enzyme test results indicated unsafe or risky levels in 86.68% of the participants. Factors related to blood cholinesterase levels in farmers were gender and education level. Therefore, relevant agencies such as the Subdistrict Health Promoting Hospitals, District Public Health Offices, Subdistrict Administrative Organizations, and District Agriculture Offices should continue to educate and campaign for farmers and the general public to raise awareness of the dangers associated with pesticide use. Furthermore, regular annual screening of blood cholinesterase levels should be implemented.
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