Abstract:
Exposure to organophosphates (OP) is an occupational hazard among farmers in low
income countries. In Kenya most farmers lack adequate personal protective equipment
(PPE), have low level of awareness and inadequate knowledge on organophosphate
toxicity. The objective of this study was to determine factors associated with Serum
Cholinesterase levels among farmers in Keiyo North Sub-County. A cross sectional
study was conducted during the month of June to August 2013. Multi Stage sampling
methodology based on probability proportional to size (PPS) was used to select the study
sites. Systematic sampling was used to select households. Data was collected using a
pre-tested questionnaire and blood sample obtained from farmers to determine serum
cholinesterase levels. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine
factors associated with abnormal serum cholinesterase. The prevalence of abnormal
serum cholinesterase levels among the 390 enrolled farmers was 13% .The most
common related symptoms as experienced by the farmers with depressed SChE(Serum
Cholinesterase Enzyme) after spraying were headache (84.4%), dizziness(76.2%)
weakness (66.9%) and burning sensation on the skin (64.9 %). Farmers of the age group
26- 35 years (OR=0.6; 95% CI: 1.24-7.79), handling Dimethoate OP (aOR=9.7; 95% CI:
1.83-25.83), permanent farm workers (aOR=5.5; 95 % CI: 2.32-8.51) and
unrecommended practices when spraying, (aOR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.34-11.33) were
significantly associated with OP toxicity. In conclusion the major exposure factors were
Dimethoate use and being a permanent farm worker. Analysis of factors associated with
abnormal cholinesterase can form a basis for policies and regulations aimed at
promoting safer farm practices for farmers. The two ministries of health and agriculture
should integrate health education and trainings on recommended farm practices.