The Prevalence of Dermal and Respiratory Symptoms among Greenhouse Agricultural Workers: A Surveillance Study
Year: 2023
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND/AIMS:This study was conducted to examine the prevalence of dermal and respiratory symptoms among workers in greenhouse agriculture. MATERIAL AND METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted with 529 greenhouse workers in a district center between March and September 2020.The data collection form was developed by researchers to collect the research data.Descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis were used in the analysis.RESULTS: 41.8% of the participants stated that they used gloves and 25.8% of them used masks while working, but 7.0% of them reported that they did not use any personal protective equipment.It was found that working for 8 h or more per day was associated with respiratory distress, itching-rashing on skin, and nose-eye problems, while working for 25 days or more per month was associated with respiratory distress and cough complaints (p<0.05).Working in the tasks of seed sowing, pesticide application/spraying, and grafting was found to be associated with wheezing, coughing, itching-rashing on skin, and nose-eye problems (p<0.05).Those who did not wear protective equipment suffered from wheezing, and those who did not use a mask had bronchitis, cough, wheezing, itching-rashing on skin, and nose-eye problems (p<0.05).CONCLUSION: Working conditions, a type of work done in greenhouse agriculture, and failure to use personal protective equipment increase the prevalence of dermal and respiratory symptoms.
Authors: Derya Adıbelli, Adem Sümen
Institution: Akdeniz University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4381799598