Abstract
Background: Chlorpyrifos (group II) is an example of organophosphate (OP) insecticides used
in cocoa farm that contains moderately hazardous substances that may be dangerous, toxic and
can cause severe effects to human health. It is a concern considering cocoa plantations uses
large amount of pesticides. There is a lack of study focusing on cocoa farmers’ exposure to
organophosphate and data is needed to allow preventive measures to be planned and
implemented in order to protect the health and safety of the workers in this specific agricultural
sector.
Objective: This study aims to determine blood cholinesterase level due to exposure to
organophosphate pesticides and identify its link with neurobehavioral performance of cocoa
farmers in cocoa plantations across Perak and Pahang, Malaysia.
Method: This is a cross-sectional study among participants that includes cocoa farmers as the
exposed group and fishermen as the comparison group. Structured questionnaire were
administered to obtain background information and occupational usage of insecticides. Blood
samples were collected via finger prick technique and seven tests of World Health Organization
(WHO) Neurobehavioral Core Test Battery (NCTB) were used to measure the neurobehavioral
performance of the respondents. Data collected were entered into statistical software and were
analysed according to objectives.
Results: A total of 178 respondents were recruited in this study. This study had reversed results
where the blood cholinesterase level of the comparison group was below than the normal range
compared to the exposed group. The standard scores of Pursuit Aiming and Trail Making tests
showed that the exposed group had significantly poorer performance than the comparison
group. There was no significant correlation between the blood cholinesterase with
neurobehavioral performance scores for the exposed group. Income, years of handling were
significant predictor factors for Pursuit Aiming Test whereas age, use of gloves and education
for Trail Making Test.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that neurobehavioral assessment conducted
have provided insight into the early effects of OP pesticide exposures when results detected
impairment of cocoa farmers’ motor steadiness and visual motor coordination. There is a need
to encourage commitment of employers to protect workers through conducting medical
surveillance, reviewing existing training modules, assist in the amendment of the existing
guideline for use and provide adequate and suitable personal protective equipment for the use
of the workers in order to fulfil the objectives of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
Norsyazwani Mohammad, Emilia Zainal Abidin, Nor ‘Aqilah Amani Zainal Mubarik, Vivien How, Sarva Mangala Praveena, Zailina Hashim. (2018) Blood cholinesterase level and its association with neurobehavioral performance due to insecticide exposure among male cocoa farmers in Pahang and Perak, Malaysia, Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology, Volume 6, Special Issue.
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