Association of Pesticide Exposure with Hyperlipidemia and Hypertension Among Farmers in Chiang Mai

Abstract

The goal of this study was to look into the association of pesticide exposure with hyperlipidemia and hypertension among farmers in Chiang Mai Province. This study used secondary data from cross-sectional samples collected between June 2020 and January 2021 as part of the Agricultural Health of Thai Farmers project. The study included 5,366 farmers who had no family history of hyperlipidemia or hypertension and lived in six districts of Chiang Mai, including Mae Rim, Doi Lo, Doi Tao, Mae On, and Wiang Haeng. The record form was used to collect data on pesticide exposure and chronic disease history. The data was analyzed using binary logistic regression to adjust for sex, age, smoking, drinking alcohol, and farm proximity, yielding an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The study found that farmers who were exposed to any pesticide at a medium level (AOR = 2.10, 95%CI = 1.47 – 3.00) and a high level (AOR = 2.55, 95%CI = 1.66 – 3.93) had 2.10 and 2.55 times higher odds of hyperlipidemia, respectively, compared to those who were not. The pesticides that were associated with hyperlipidemia at a statistically significant level of 0.05 were herbicides (glycine – glyphosate, bipyridilium – paraquat, phenoxy – 2, 4, D, and chloracetamide/aniline), insecticides (organochlorine, organophosphate, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid – imidacloprid, and avermectin), fungicides (dithiocarbamate, and phenylamide – metalaxyl), rodenticides, and molluscicides. Farmers who were exposed to any pesticide at a high level (AOR = 1.40, 95%CI = 1.03 – 1.90) had 1.40 times higher odds of hypertension, compared to those who were not. The pesticides that were associated with hypertension at a statistically significant level of 0.05 included herbicides (glycine – glyphosate, and bipyridilium – paraquat), insecticides, and fungicides. When only farmers with a history of pesticide use were analyzed, pesticide poisoning was found to be associated with hyperlipidemia (AOR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.05 – 1.82) and hypertension (AOR = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.09 – 1.63). In conclusion, pesticide exposure may increase the risk of hyperlipidemia and hypertension in farmers, depending on the type of chemical and the intensity of exposure. As a result, knowledge should be provided to raise their awareness about the chronic health effects of pesticide use on the cardiovascular system, as well as promote protective behaviors to reduce the risk of pesticide exposure.