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Mengistu DA, Geremew A, Tessema RA. Pesticide safety practice and its public health risk in African regions: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2295. [PMID: 39180029 PMCID: PMC11342601 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19764-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although pesticides play an integral role in food security and preventing public health from vector-borne diseases, inappropriate handling and continual use of restricted organochlorine pesticides pose short- and long-term adverse effects and become public health concerns in the African region. This study aimed to determine the combined level of protective equipment use, management of empty pesticide containers, and leftover pesticide residues in the African region. METHODS The preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and the meta-analysis protocol were used to carry out this study. The Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, DOAJ, and National Repository databases were searched for articles published between November 12, 2023, and January 2, 2024. The meta-analysis data were visualized using a forest plot. A random-effects model was applied when heterogeneity existed in pooled studies. Subgroup analysis of the data was performed based on the location where the study was conducted and the publication year. Meta-regression and sensitivity analysis were performed to evaluate the robustness of the pooled prevalence of studies. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. The authors used the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment tool to determine the quality of the studies. RESULTS In this review, 2174 articles were identified from the included electronic databases, 24 of which were included in the present study. The study revealed that the combined mean prevalence of wearing a mask, glove, boot/safety shoes, overall wear, and head cover accounted for 18% (95% CI: 11.9 to 26.1%, p < 0.001), 18% (95% CI: 11.7 to 26.9%, p < 0.001), 23% (95% CI: 15.7 to 33.3%, p < 0.001), 26% (95% CI: 16.2 to 38.7%, p < 0.001), and 14% (95% CI: 8.90 to 22.0%, p < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of pesticides stored in the living room and pesticide containers used for different purposes was 51% and 26%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Poor pesticide safety practices were identified. A substantial proportion of the respondents reported storing pesticide residues in their living rooms, and the reuse of pesticide empty containers. Regional institutions should lead the designing of safety strategies to reduce the public health risks of pesticide exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dechasa Adare Mengistu
- College of Health and Medical Science, School of Environmental Health, Haramaya University, PO Box, 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Geremew
- College of Health and Medical Science, School of Environmental Health, Haramaya University, PO Box, 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Roba Argaw Tessema
- College of Health and Medical Science, School of Environmental Health, Haramaya University, PO Box, 235, Harar, Ethiopia.
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Hussen Ahmed H, Astatike H, Fekadu S, Mekonen S. Analyzing Factors Affecting Farmers' Safe Pesticide Handling Practices in Southwest of Ethiopia: Implications for Policy. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241256495. [PMID: 38828043 PMCID: PMC11141214 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241256495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Pesticides play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity by controlling pests. However, inadequate pesticide handling practices have a considerable adverse impact on human health. Nevertheless, there is limited knowledge regarding the extent of safe pesticide handling practices, particularly in low-income settings like Ethiopia. Hence, this study seeks to evaluate the implementation of safe pesticide handling practices and identify the factors associated with the status of the handling practices in low-income settings in Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken, involving 468 farmers randomly selected for participation. Data collection was carried out through structured questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. The analysis aimed to assess the proportion of safe pesticide handling practices (SPHP) and investigate the factors associated with SPHP was done using binary logistic regression. Explanatory variables with a P-value <0.25 were included in the final analysis. The factors were determined based on adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals, P-value <.05. Model fit was evaluated using the Hosmer and Lemeshow tests. Results From the findings of our study, only 45.7% of farmers practiced SPHP, with factors such as education, experience, pesticide usage, and attitude toward safe practices influencing their practices. Farmers with education status primary and above were two times more likely to practice good handling of pesticides than those who didn't attend formal education. Farmers with a maximum of 5 years of experience in vegetable farming were 2.4 times more likely to exhibit good handling practices compared to their counterparts. Furthermore, farmers with favorable attitudes toward pesticide handling were 4.2 times more likely to engage in good pesticide handling practices than those with unfavorable attitudes. Therefore, the agricultural sectors, health sectors, and farmer associations should focus on these factors in order to mitigate the health risks associated with poor pesticide handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hawi Hussen Ahmed
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Higemengist Astatike
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Fekadu
- Department of Environmental Health Science and Technology, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Seblework Mekonen
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Water and Health, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Telayneh AT, Habtegiorgis SD, Birhanu MY, Sume BW, Ayenew T, Gedif G, Endalew B, Tsegaye D, Yirdaw G, Mitiku KW, Molla F, Moges NA, Kassa GM. Mortality of acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29741. [PMID: 38681614 PMCID: PMC11046229 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Poison is defined as any chemical that has the potential to affect or harm human physiology due to its chemical activity. Poisoning is becoming a major preventable public health issue in many countries, including Ethiopia. There is a variation in acute poisoning mortality among the existing evidence in Ethiopia. This study aims to determine the pooled mortality rate from acute poisoning and its predictors in Ethiopia. Methods We searched available evidence of acute poisoning mortality in databases such as PubMed, Hinari, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, and other search engines. Using the Microsoft Excel data extraction form, three authors independently extracted all relevant data. The Higgins I2 test statistics were used to examine heterogeneity among included studies A random-effects model was used to analyze the pooled estimates and predictors in Stata MP version 17. Results We retrieved 2685 relevant records from different database sources, and after screening, 21 studies (17 published and 4 unpublished) were included. The pooled mortality rate for acute poisoning was 4.69(95 % CI: 3.69, 5.69 I2 = 94.7 %). The most common poisoning agents are organophosphate (29.9 %), household cleansing agents (17.5 %), and pharmaceuticals/medications (9.3 %). The majority of poisoning cases were intentional poisoning committed suicide. Poisoning cases in rural areas [RR: 3.98(95 % CI: 1.41, 11.25)] and delayed arrival times [RR: 2.90(95 % CI: 1.45, 5.84)] were identified predictors of mortality. Conclusions In this study, the pooled mortality from acute poisoning was 4.69 %. Poisoned cases from rural areas and delayed arrival times to the hospital were predictors of mortality. To prevent mortality, healthcare professionals should give special attention to rural residents and delayed arrival of poison cases. To control this avoidable death, poison control centers should be strengthened, and other preventive measures implemented at the national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Animut Takele Telayneh
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Derbie Habtegiorgis
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Molla Yigzaw Birhanu
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Bickes Wube Sume
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Ayenew
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getnet Gedif
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Bekalu Endalew
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Dejenu Tsegaye
- Department of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Getasew Yirdaw
- Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Kalkidan Worku Mitiku
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Frehiwot Molla
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Nurilign Abebe Moges
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Suphim B, Songthap A. Factors affecting safe pesticide-use behaviors among farm plant agriculturists in northeastern Thailand. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1096. [PMID: 38643084 PMCID: PMC11032588 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18662-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pesticide poisoning is a major public health problem in Thailand and is the result of intensive inappropriate and unsafe use of pesticides. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to determine the factors affecting safe pesticide-use behaviors among farm plant agriculturists in northeastern Thailand. METHODS The study sample included 427 farm plant agriculturists in Loei Province, northeastern Thailand. Individuals were randomly selected by a multistage random sampling technique. The following data were collected via a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 8 parts: (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) knowledge about pesticide use, (3) perceived severity of impact from pesticide use among farm plant agriculturists, (4) perceived susceptibility to pesticide use, (5) perceived self-efficacy in the modification of safe pesticide-use behaviors, (6) perceived outcome of the modification of safe pesticide-use behaviors, (7) social support, and (8) safe pesticide-use behaviors. Frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and multiple regression analyses were employed for data analysis. RESULTS The majority of participants (79.4%) had high scores for safe pesticide-use behaviors among farm plant agriculturists (scores of 112-150). Factors that significantly affected safe pesticide-use behaviors included knowledge about pesticide use (β = 0.282), social support (β = 0.217), reading information from pesticide labels before pesticide use (β = 0.207), perceived self-efficacy (β = 0.186), female sex (β = -0.140), rice farmer status (β = 0.129), corn farmer status (β = 0.127), perceived susceptibility (β = 0.126), having received information from the internet (β = -0.124), and perceived severity (β = -0.098). Together, these 10 factors were found to explain 32.5% of the safe pesticide-use behaviors among farm plant agriculturists. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that there is a need to increase the number of promotional activities related to the safe use of pesticides through social support and training, with the aim of increasing the overall level of knowledge, perceived self-efficacy, perceived susceptibility, and modification of the perceived impact severity of pesticide use. Thus, relevant agencies should promote and support the safe use of pesticides by farm plant agriculturists. This study revealed that the factors affecting safe pesticide-use behaviors among farm plant agriculturists included knowledge about pesticide use, social support, reading pesticide container labels, perceived self-efficacy in the modification of pesticide-use behaviors, sex, rice farmer status, corn farmer status, perceived susceptibility to pesticide use, having received information from the internet, and perceived severity of impact from pesticide use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bunliang Suphim
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, 99 Village 9, Thapho Subdistrict, Muang District, Phitsanulok Province, 65000, Thailand
| | - Archin Songthap
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, 99 Village 9, Thapho Subdistrict, Muang District, Phitsanulok Province, 65000, Thailand.
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Abaineh A, Ejigu D, Atlabachew M, Dejen E, Tilahun G. Knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers and experts about the effects of pesticide residues on agricultural product users and ecosystems: A case of Fogera District, Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292838. [PMID: 38060608 PMCID: PMC10703333 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Pesticides are chemicals used to control different types of pests. Though pesticides played a role in improving the quantity and quality of production, they have been threatening ecosystems and posed effects on humans in different parts of the world. Unfortunately, there were no studies made about the effects of pesticide residues on ecosystems and consumers in the Fogera District of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. Hence, the main objective of this study was to understand the knowledge, attitude, and practices of respondents about the effects of pesticide residues on ecosystems and consumers. A cross-sectional survey complemented by focus group discussions and field observations was used to gather the required data for the study. The close-ended data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, logistic regressions, and independent t-test, and data from open-ended questions were grouped and summarized based on their similarities. The findings of the study confirmed that there was significant knowledge, attitude, and practices difference between farmers and consumers about the effects of pesticide residues on ecosystems and humans. Farmers used highly toxic pesticides to control pests and improve the glossiness of vegetables and khat. Though they didn't use the sprayed vegetables for their home consumption, some of the farmers deliberately supplied pesticide-sprayed vegetables without worrying about the negative effects of the pesticides on the consumers. There were also fishing practices from rivers after intoxicating the fish using the pesticide sprayed feed. This, in turn, might poison individuals who consume the fish. In general, pesticide application practices and consumption of pesticide-sprayed foodstuffs and surface water might pose serious health risks to ecosystems and humans. To minimize the negative effects of pesticides, rigorous awareness-raising on the effects and management of pesticides, enforcement of laws, delineation of the pesticide free buffer zone for waters, the establishment of a clear pesticide supply chain to the end users, ecosystem assessment and food safety monitoring schemes are highly required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abebaw Abaineh
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Dessalegn Ejigu
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Eshete Dejen
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- PM, Environment Protection, Agriculture & Environment Division, IGAD Secretariat, Djibouti, Republic of Djibouti
| | - Gashaw Tilahun
- Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
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Tesfay N, Hailu G, Habtetsion M, Woldeyohannes F. Birth prevalence and risk factors of neural tube defects in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e077685. [PMID: 37940152 PMCID: PMC10632862 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to estimate the prevalence of neural tube defects (NTDs) and to identify potential risk factors in the Ethiopian context. STUDY DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. STUDY PARTICIPANTS A total of 611 064 participants were included in the review obtained from 42 studies. METHODS PubMed (Medline), Embase and Cochrane Library databases in combination with other potential sources of literature were systematically searched, whereby studies conducted between January 2010 and December 2022 were targeted in the review process. All observational studies were included and heterogeneity between studies was verified using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics. Small study effects were checked using Egger's statistical test at a 5% significance level. RESULT The pooled prevalence of all NTDs per 10 000 births in Ethiopia was 71.48 (95% CI 57.80 to 86.58). The between-study heterogeneity was high (I2= 97.49%, p<0.0001). Birth prevalence of spina bifida (33.99 per 10 000) was higher than anencephaly (23.70 per 10 000), and encephalocele (4.22 per 10 000). Unbooked antenatal care (AOR 2.26, 95% CI (1.30 to 3.94)), preconception intake of folic acid (AOR 0.41, 95% CI (0.26 to 0.66)), having chronic medical illness (AOR 2.06, 95% CI (1.42 to 2.99)), drinking alcohol (AOR 2.70, 95% CI (1.89 to 3.85)), smoking cigarette (AOR 2.49, 95% CI (1.51 to 4.11)), chewing khat (AOR 3.30, 95% CI (1.88 to 5.80)), exposure to pesticides (AOR 3.87, 95% CI (2.63 to 5.71)), maternal age ≥35 (AOR 1.90, 95% CI (1.13 to 3.25)), maternal low educational status (AOR 1.60, 95% CI (1.13 to 2.24)), residing in urban areas (AOR 0.75, 95% CI (0.58 to 0.97))and family history of NTDs (AOR 2.51, 95% CI (1.36 to 4.62)) were associated with NTD cases. CONCLUSION The prevalence of NTDs in Ethiopia is seven times as high as in other Western countries where prevention measures are put in place. Heredity, maternal and environmental factors are associated with a high prevalence of NTDs. Mandatory fortification of staple food with folic acid should be taken as a priority intervention to curb the burden of NTDs. To smoothen and overlook the pace of implementation of mass fortification, screening, and monitoring surveillance systems should be in place along with awareness-raising measures. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023413490.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neamin Tesfay
- Centre of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Girmay Hailu
- Centre of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Medhanye Habtetsion
- Centre of Public Health Emergency Management, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Fistum Woldeyohannes
- Health Financing Program, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Mekuria A, Xia L, Ahmed TA, Bishaw S, Teklemariam Z, Nedi T, Abula T, Engidawork E, Gong YY. Contribution of Aflatoxin B 1 Exposure to Liver Cirrhosis in Eastern Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:3543-3553. [PMID: 37605782 PMCID: PMC10440104 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s425992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Liver cirrhosis is a global health problem due to a large number of disability-associated life years and mortality. However, evidence is scarce on its causes in Eastern-Ethiopia, a place where there is a high prevalence of liver cirrhosis of unknown etiology. This study attempted to identify the risk factors related to liver cirrhosis in the area. Methods A case-control study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from January 2020 to July 2021. Following diagnoses using an ultrasound-based cirrhosis scale, a total of 127 cases were identified and compared with 253 control patients. A structured questionnaire and data abstraction form were used to collect demographic, lifestyle, and clinical information. A blood sample was also taken from each participant for clinical chemistry, hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus tests as well as for an aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) albumin adduct (AF-alb) assay. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine predictors of liver cirrhosis. Results AF-alb levels were detected in 75% of the cases and 64% of the controls, with a median (IQR) level of 11 pg/mg (5.5-25) and 7.0 pg/mg (4.3-20.5), respectively (p<0.05). Moreover, the number of subjects with high AF-alb levels (≥8.6 pg/mg) was greater in cases (45%, p<0.05)) than controls (28%). Age ≥55 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=0.4; 95% CI: 0.2, 0.8), being a farmer (AOR= 3.0; 95% CI: 1.5, 6.0), family history of liver disease (AOR= 2.9; 95% CI: 1.1, 7.9), HBV seropositivity (AOR=4.0; 95% CI: 1.9, 8.8), and exposure to high levels of AF-alb (AOR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 3.7) were significantly associated with liver cirrhosis. Conclusion This study found a strong link between AFB1 exposure and liver cirrhosis. Mitigation of aflatoxin exposure and a better understanding of additional environmental risk factors like pesticides may be necessary to reduce the disease burden in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abraham Mekuria
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Lei Xia
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Tekabe Abdosh Ahmed
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Bishaw
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Zelalem Teklemariam
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Teshome Nedi
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tefera Abula
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Ephrem Engidawork
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yun Yun Gong
- School of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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