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Trearty K, Bunting B, Mallett J. Assessing the impact of socio-demographics and farming activity on ward-level mortality patterns using farm and population decennial censuses. Aust J Rural Health 2024; 32:365-376. [PMID: 38530038 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.13098] [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: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE Farmers experience a specific set of unique dangers, which increases their risk of mortality compared with any other occupation. This study hypothesised that Northern Ireland's (NIs) agriculturally saturated Wards have a higher risk of mortality compared against non-agriculturally based Wards. DESIGN The Population Census and Farm Census information were downloaded from the Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Service (NINIS) online depository to compile three mortality-based data sets (2001, 2011, pooled data sets). Assessing the impact of socio-demographics and farming activity on Ward-level mortality patterns using farm and population decennial censuses. This study analysed all 582 Ward areas of NI, which enclosed the entire populace of the country in 2001 and 2011. FINDINGS Path analysis was utilised to examine direct and indirect paths linked with mortality within two census years (2001; 2011), alongside testing pathways for invariance between census years (pooled data set). Ward-level results provided evidence for exogenous variables to mortality operating through three/four endogenous variables via: (i) direct effects (age), (ii) summed indirect effects (age; males; living alone; farming profit; and deprivation) and (iii) total effects (age; males; living alone; and deprivation). Multi-group results cross-validated these cause-and-effect relationships relating to mortality. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that farming intensity scores, farming profits and socio-demographics' influence on mortality risk in a Ward were dependent on the specific social-environmental characteristics within that area. In line with earlier area level research, results support the aggregated interpretation that higher levels of farming activity within a Ward increase the risk of mortality within those Wards of NI. This was an essential study to enable future tailoring of new strategies and upgrading of current policies to bring about significant mortality risk change at local level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Trearty
- Department of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - Brendan Bunting
- Department of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - John Mallett
- Department of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
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Togawa K, Leon ME, Lebailly P, Beane Freeman LE, Nordby KC, Baldi I, MacFarlane E, Shin A, Park S, Greenlee RT, Sigsgaard T, Basinas I, Hofmann JN, Kjaerheim K, Douwes J, Denholm R, Ferro G, Sim MR, Kromhout H, Schüz J. Cancer incidence in agricultural workers: Findings from an international consortium of agricultural cohort studies (AGRICOH). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106825. [PMID: 34461377 PMCID: PMC8484858 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural work can expose workers to potentially hazardous agents including known and suspected carcinogens. This study aimed to evaluate cancer incidence in male and female agricultural workers in an international consortium, AGRICOH, relative to their respective general populations. METHODS The analysis included eight cohorts that were linked to their respective cancer registries: France (AGRICAN: n = 128,101), the US (AHS: n = 51,165, MESA: n = 2,177), Norway (CNAP: n = 43,834), Australia (2 cohorts combined, Australian Pesticide Exposed Workers: n = 12,215 and Victorian Grain Farmers: n = 919), Republic of Korea (KMCC: n = 8,432), and Denmark (SUS: n = 1,899). For various cancer sites and all cancers combined, standardized incidence ratios (SIR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each cohort using national or regional rates as reference rates and were combined by random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS During nearly 2,800,000 person-years, a total of 23,188 cancers were observed. Elevated risks were observed for melanoma of the skin (number of cohorts = 3, meta-SIR = 1.18, CI: 1.01-1.38) and multiple myeloma (n = 4, meta-SIR = 1.27, CI: 1.04-1.54) in women and prostate cancer (n = 6, meta-SIR = 1.06, CI: 1.01-1.12), compared to the general population. In contrast, a deficit was observed for the incidence of several cancers, including cancers of the bladder, breast (female), colorectum, esophagus, larynx, lung, and pancreas and all cancers combined (n = 7, meta-SIR for all cancers combined = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.77-0.90). The direction of risk was largely consistent across cohorts although we observed large between-cohort variations in SIR for cancers of the liver and lung in men and women, and stomach, colorectum, and skin in men. CONCLUSION The results suggest that agricultural workers have a lower risk of various cancers and an elevated risk of prostate cancer, multiple myeloma (female), and melanoma of skin (female) compared to the general population. Those differences and the between-cohort variations may be due to underlying differences in risk factors and warrant further investigation of agricultural exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Togawa
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France.
| | - Maria E Leon
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Pierre Lebailly
- ANTICIPE, U1086 INSERM, Université de Caen Normandie, and Centre de Lutte Contre le Cancer François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Laura E Beane Freeman
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Isabelle Baldi
- EPICENE, U1219 INSERM, Université de Bordeaux, and Service Santé Travail Environnement, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ewan MacFarlane
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Aesun Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sue Park
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Robert T Greenlee
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Population Health, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | - Torben Sigsgaard
- Department of Public Health, Research Section for Environment, Occupation and Health, Danish Ramazzini Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ioannis Basinas
- Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan N Hofmann
- Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Jeroen Douwes
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Rachel Denholm
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Gilles Ferro
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
| | - Malcolm R Sim
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hans Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Joachim Schüz
- Environment and Lifestyle Epidemiology Branch, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Lyon, France
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Kaneko R, Sato Y, Kobayashi Y. Inequality in cancer survival rates among industrial sectors in Japan: an analysis of two large merged datasets. ENVIRONMENTAL AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.1539/eohp.2020-0021-oa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rena Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanto Rosai Hospital
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
| | - Yuzuru Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kanto Rosai Hospital
| | - Yasuki Kobayashi
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo
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4
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Oh JH, Yoo JR, Ko SY, Kang JH, Lee SK, Jeong W, Seong GM, Lee HJ, Song SW. Relationship Between Sleep Duration and Suicidal Ideation Among Farmers: Safety for Agricultural Injuries of Farmers Cohort Study of Jeju, Korea. Saf Health Work 2020; 12:102-107. [PMID: 33732534 PMCID: PMC7940138 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study was conducted to identify the association between sleep duration and suicidal ideation among farmers in Korea. Methods We used Safety for Agricultural Injuries of Farmers cohort data collected from September 2015 to June 2018, which was an agricultural survey on the health and behaviors of adult farmers in Jeju island, Korea. Results A total of 964 participants were included in the analysis, and 3.7% of them were identified with having suicidal ideation. The frequencies of average daily sleep duration of <6 h (short sleep), 6-8 h (normal sleep), and >8 h (long sleep) were 24.4%, 70%, and 5.6%, respectively. Multivariate analyses revealed that short sleep duration was significantly associated with suicidal ideation compared with normal sleep duration (odds ratio = 2.49, 95% confidence interval = 1.07-5.77). Conclusion Our findings suggest that short sleep duration in farmers result in higher suicidal ideation. Because individuals who have suicidal ideation often commit suicide, careful monitoring is required to prevent suicide in farmers with short sleep duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hwan Oh
- Department of Neurology, Jeju National University College of Medicin and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Jeong Rae Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Seo Young Ko
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Jeong Ho Kang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Sung Kgun Lee
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Wooseong Jeong
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Gil Myeong Seong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Lee
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
| | - Sung Wook Song
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Jeju National University College of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Jeju, South Korea.,Center for Farmers' Safety and Health at Jeju National University Hospital, Jeju, South Korea
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Haruyama K, Yokomichi H, Yamagata Z. Farm working experience could reduce late-life dependency duration among Japanese older adults: The Yamanashi Healthy-Active Life Expectancy cohort study based on the STROBE guidelines. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22248. [PMID: 32957372 PMCID: PMC7505340 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the advance of medical care, the duration of dependency on nursing care in later life has increased worldwide. There is a question of whether farm work could extend or shorten the dependency duration. We investigated the association between farm work experience and the duration of dependency on nursing support or care in late life.We randomly selected 600 adults aged ≥65 years, who were independent and not hospitalized, as part of the Yamanashi Healthy-Active Life Expectancy cohort and followed them for 13 years. We defined the duration of dependency as the time from reception of long-term care insurance benefits to death, and we adjusted for multiple covariates.We analyzed data from 225 adults (139 men and 86 women) who died during the follow-up period. Ninety four had received long-term care benefits. Mean age was 79.6 years (standard deviation [SD]: 6.3) in individuals with farm work experience and 80.1 years (SD: 7.2) in individuals without farm work experience. The estimated duration of dependency on long-term care was 1.3 years (standard error [SE]: 0.4) in individuals with farm work experience vs 2.1 years (SE: 0.5) in individuals without farm work experience (P = .01). The estimated duration of dependency in individuals with farm work experience and without farm work experience was 0.4 years (SE: 0.5) vs 1.3 years (SE: 0.6) in men respectively (P = .03) and 1.6 years (SE: 0.9) vs 2.4 years (SE: 0.9) in women, respectively (P = .16). The sensitivity analysis yielded an estimated duration of 1.2 years (SE: 0.5) in those with farm work experience and 2.3 years (SE: 0.5) in those without farm work experience (P = .004).Individuals with farm work experience required less long-term care prior to death, suggesting that agricultural and physical activities promote health. Policymakers focusing on preventing the need for nursing care in older populations could consider promoting farming or gardening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayo Haruyama
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Iryo Sosei University, 5-5-1 Chuodai Iino, Iwaki City, Fukushima
| | - Hiroshi Yokomichi
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Shimokato, Chuo City, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Zentaro Yamagata
- Department of Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Shimokato, Chuo City, Yamanashi, Japan
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Rostamabadi A, Jahangiri M, Naderi Mansourabadi B, Javid M, Ghorbani M, Banaee S. Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Occupational Injuries and their Influence on the Health-Related Quality of Life Among Farmers Working in Small-Farm Enterprises. J Agromedicine 2019; 24:248-256. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2019.1592047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Akbar Rostamabadi
- Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Ashtian Health Care Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jahangiri
- Research Center for Health Science, Institute of Health, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational health, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Bahram Naderi Mansourabadi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Marzieh Javid
- Student Research Committee, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ghorbani
- Department of Public Health, School of Health, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Sean Banaee
- College of Health Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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7
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Tabibi R, Tarahomi S, Ebrahimi SM, Valipour AA, Ghorbani-Kalkhajeh S, Tajzadeh S, Panahi D, Soltani S, Dzhsupov KO, Sokooti M. Basic Occupational Health Services for Agricultural Workers in the South of Iran. Ann Glob Health 2018; 84:465-469. [PMID: 30835383 PMCID: PMC6748276 DOI: 10.29024/aogh.2312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The agricultural sector has by far the world’s largest labour force, there are more than one billion workers in this industry worldwide, which contains half of the total world labour force. On the other hand, agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations, and many workers suffer occupational accidents and ill health each year. Farming and animal breeding are associated with exposure to a wide variety of risk factors, including zoonotic agents, dust, elements of the thermal environment, noise, vibration and chemicals. Although half of the world’s population are economically active and spend at least one third of their time in the workplace, only 15% of the workers have access to basic occupational health services. According to a WHO report, Iran has a well-structured health care system through which basic health care services are available to the entire population, and health indicators in Iran have consistently improved. The agricultural health program in Iran is being carried out in the cities and rural areas, and occupational health services are mainly integrated into the health network. This paper aims to describe the health care system and basic occupational health services (BOHs) available to 5,300 agricultural enterprises with 8,380 employees in the cities of Abadan, Khorramshahr and Shadegan in the Abadan region (Abadan, Khoramshahr and Shadegan districts), in the south of Iran.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Seyed Mohammad Ebrahimi
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, IR.,Department of Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR
| | | | | | | | - Davood Panahi
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, IR.,School of Public Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR
| | | | | | - Maryam Sokooti
- Abadan School of Medical Sciences, Abadan, IR.,Milan, IT
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8
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Kwaku Essien S, Trask C, Khan M, Boden C, Bath B. Association Between Whole-Body Vibration and Low-Back Disorders in Farmers: A Scoping Review. J Agromedicine 2017; 23:105-120. [PMID: 28952884 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2017.1383333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Low-back disorders (LBDs) are the most common musculoskeletal problem among farmers, with higher prevalence rates than in other occupations. Farmers who operate tractors and other types of machinery can have substantial exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). Although there appears to be an association between LBDs and WBV, the causal relationship is not clear. OBJECTIVE This scoping review investigates the association between WBV and LBDs specifically among farmers. METHODS Nine databases were searched using groups of terms for two concepts: 'farming' and 'low back disorder'. Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. Included studies met the following criteria: focused on adult farmers/agricultural workers; assessed exposure to operating farm machinery such tractor, combine, or all-terrain vehicle; assessed LBDs as an outcome; and reported an inferential test to assess the relationship between WBV and LBD. RESULTS After 276 full texts screened, 11 articles were found to analyze WBV as a risk factor for LBDs. Three were case-control, five cross-sectional, and three retrospective cohorts. Four studies showed no association between WBV and LBDs, four a positive association, and three results were mixed depending on the exposure/outcome measure. CONCLUSION A firm conclusion is difficult due to heterogeneity in, LBDs definition, type of farm commodity, study design, and statistical strategy. Direct comparisons and synthesis were not possible. Although retrospective cohort studies tended to show a relationship, future studies with a prospective cohort design could help clarify this association further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Kwaku Essien
- a School of Public Health , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
| | - Catherine Trask
- b Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
| | - Muhammad Khan
- c Department of Community Health and Epidemiology , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
| | - Catherine Boden
- d Leslie and Irene Dubé Health Sciences Library , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
| | - Brenna Bath
- e School of Physical Therapy , University of Saskatchewan , Saskatoon , Saskatchewan , Canada
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Lee HE, Kim HR, Chung YK, Kang SK, Kim EA. Mortality rates by occupation in Korea: a nationwide, 13-year follow-up study. Occup Environ Med 2016; 73:329-35. [PMID: 26920855 PMCID: PMC4853594 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2015-103192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 01/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study sought to identify inequalities in cause-specific mortality across different occupational groups in Korea. METHODS The cohort included Korean workers enrolled in the national employment insurance programme between 1995 and 2000. Mortality was determined by matching death between 1995 and 2009 according to a nationwide registry of the Korea National Statistical Office. The cohort was divided into nine occupational groups according to the Korean Standard Occupational Classification (KSOC). Age-standardised mortality rates of each subcohort were calculated. RESULTS The highest age-standardised mortality rate was identified in KSOC 6 (agricultural, forestry and fishery workers; male (M): 563.0 per 100 000, female (F): 206.0 per 100 000), followed by KSOC 9 (elementary occupations; M: 499.0, F: 163.4) and KSOC 8 (plant, machine operators and assemblers; M: 380.3, F: 157.8). The lowest rate occurred in KSOC 2 (professionals and related workers; M: 209.1, F: 93.3). Differences in mortality rates between KSOC 2 and KSOC 9 (M: 289.9, F: 70.1) and the rate ratio of KSCO9 to KSCO2 (M: 2.39, F: 1.75) were higher in men. The most prominent mortality rate difference was observed in external causes of death (M: 96.9, F: 21.6) and liver disease in men (38.3 per 100 000). Mental disease showed the highest rate ratio (M: 6.31, F: 13.00). CONCLUSIONS Substantial differences in mortality rates by occupation were identified. Main causes of death were injury, suicide and male liver disease. Development of policies to support occupations linked with a lower socioeconomic position should be prioritised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Eun Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Ryoul Kim
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun Kyung Chung
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Kyu Kang
- Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-A Kim
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Ulsan, Republic of Korea
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Boadi-Kusi SB, Hansraj R, Kumi-Kyereme A, Mashige KP, Awusabo-Asare K, Ocansey S, Kyei S. Ocular health assessment of cocoa farmers in a rural community in Ghana. J Agromedicine 2015; 19:171-80. [PMID: 24911692 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2014.886537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Cocoa farming provides employment for over 800,000 households in rural Ghana, with the country currently touted as the second largest producer of cocoa worldwide. Agriculture is one of the riskiest occupations for the eyes due to the numerous ocular hazards on farms. The authors conducted an ocular health assessment among cocoa farmers at Mfuom, a rural community in the Central Region of Ghana, to examine the ocular health status and the ocular safety measures used by cocoa farmers. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate demographic characteristics, ocular injuries, and utilization of eye care services and ocular protection, and a clinical examination was used to evaluate their ocular status. Cocoa farmers were at high risk for ocular injuries and farm-related vision disorders and utilized eye care services and ocular protection poorly. Ocular condition identified were mainly refractive error (28.6%), cataract (20.0%), glaucoma (11.7%), conjunctivitis (13%), pterygium (2.7%), and cornea opacity (2.2%). There is a need for the introduction of an interventional eye care program to help address the ocular health challenges identified among the farmers. This can be done through collaborative efforts by educational institutions, government, and other role players in the agricultural industry to improve the quality of life of the vulnerable cocoa farmers in rural Ghana.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Bert Boadi-Kusi
- a Discipline of Optometry, School of Health Sciences , University of KwaZulu-Natal , Durban , South Africa
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11
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Kim J, Shin DH, Lee WJ. Suicidal ideation and occupational pesticide exposure among male farmers. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2014; 128:52-56. [PMID: 24268919 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/29/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occupation of farming has been reported to be associated with a high suicide rate, and suicidal ideation is an important risk factor for suicide. The objective of this study was to explore the association between occupational pesticide exposure or poisoning history and suicidal ideation among male farmers in South Korea. METHODS Through a nationwide sampling survey, a total of 1958 male farmers were interviewed in 2011 in South Korea. Detailed occupational pesticide exposure and pesticide poisoning information were obtained from face-to-face interviews. Suicidal ideation was defined as whether they had thought of harming themselves or trying to take their own lives over the preceding year. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the effect of pesticide poisoning on suicidal ideation. RESULTS Among all farmers, 4.7% (n=92) reported suicidal ideation in 2010. After controlling for potential confounders, lifetime hospitalization due to pesticide poisoning showed a 2.48-fold increase in risk (95% CI: 1.26, 4.91). Those with multiple poisonings showed more significant associations with suicidal ideation (OR=2.33 for once, OR=3.02 for more than once). Moderate- or severe-symptom severity of acute pesticide poisoning cases (OR=2.23; 95% CI: 1.21-4.11) also showed increased risks of suicidal ideation than the milder classes did. However, no significant association was identified with cumulative lifetime pesticide application and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that risk of suicidal ideation is related to occupational pesticide poisoning among male farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaeyoung Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Dong-Hoon Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Keimyung University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Won Jin Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Demos K, Sazakli E, Jelastopulu E, Charokopos N, Ellul J, Leotsinidis M. Does farming have an effect on health status? A comparison study in west Greece. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:776-92. [PMID: 23442558 PMCID: PMC3709284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10030776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Investigating the health status of agricultural workers is a challenging goal. Contradictory outcomes concerning farmers' health are reported in the literature. In this cross-sectional study, certain clinical and neurobehavioral health outcomes were compared between farmers and non-farmers living in the same rural area. Farmers (328) and non-farmers (347), matched per age and sex, were selected randomly in an agricultural area in West Greece. Both groups underwent haematological and biochemical examinations and were administered two neurobehavioral tests, namely the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Sociodemographic, personal medical, nutritional and lifestyle data were recorded. According to personal statements, farmers suffered from hypertension, cardiovascular, orthopaedic and ENT problems in higher frequency. Haematocrit, haemoglobin and serum cholinesterase's activity were found to be lower among farmers. Lower prevalence of hypertension and better performances on MMSE and MADRS tests were recorded in young farmers in relation to young non-farmers, while these findings were reversed in older ages. Odds Ratios were calculated through multivariate logistic regression models. Factors affecting these impairments remain to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Demos
- Rural Medical Dispensary of Dokimio, Health Centre of Thermo, Thermo, GR-30008, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - Eleni Sazakli
- Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece;E-Mails: (E.S.); (E.J.)
| | - Eleni Jelastopulu
- Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece;E-Mails: (E.S.); (E.J.)
| | - Nikolaos Charokopos
- Department of Pulmonology, General Hospital of Pirgos, Pirgos, GR-27100, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - John Ellul
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece; E-Mail:
| | - Michalis Leotsinidis
- Laboratory of Public Health, Medical School, University of Patras, Rio, Patras, GR-26504, Greece;E-Mails: (E.S.); (E.J.)
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Park SB. Nonoperative management of ankle arthritis. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2013. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2013.56.10.917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Si-Bog Park
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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14
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Calvert GM, Lee K, Roh S, Davis KG, Tak S. Promoting and protecting worker health and safety in the Republic of Korea agricultural sector. J Agromedicine 2012; 17:326-37. [PMID: 22732072 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2012.686383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
With the exception of agriculture, all other Republic of Korea industrial sectors have comprehensive systems in place for workplace surveillance (i.e., disease, injury, and exposure), research, and targeted interventions. However, because few statistics are available on the occupational health and safety conditions in the Republic of Korea agricultural sector, there is little information to guide interventions to prevent hazardous agricultural exposures. The scant information that is currently available suggests that agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries in the Republic of Korea. Building on information obtained at the International Symposium on Development of Prevention Strategies for Agricultural Health and Safety held in Suwon, Republic of Korea, in 2005, and embellished with examples of surveillance, research, and intervention activities conducted in the United States and elsewhere, this article provides guidance to promote and protect the health of Korean agricultural workers. This information can also guide other countries to reduce agricultural hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey M Calvert
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA.
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15
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Kim KS, Kwon OJ. Prevalence and risk factors of hearing loss using the korean working conditions survey. KOREAN JOURNAL OF AUDIOLOGY 2012; 16:54-64. [PMID: 24653872 PMCID: PMC3936569 DOI: 10.7874/kja.2012.16.2.54] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2012] [Revised: 08/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives The hearing loss of workers can occur when they are affected by age, otologic disease, and work-related risks such as noise and chemicals. Based on the Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) in 2010, this research aimed to estimate the prevalence rate of hearing loss and to identify the risk factors affecting its occurrence. Subjects and Methods The subjects were 10019 employees who completed an interview conducted as part of KWCS in 2010. The prevalence rate of hearing loss according to sex, age, education, income, smoking, drinking, hypertension, industrial type, occupations, employment status, working period, and hazards at the workplace were assessed. The factors that could affect the occurrence of hearing loss were investigated based on a logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence rate of hearing loss was 2.7%. In a logistic multivariate analysis, sex, age, occupations, working period, noise, and exposure to chemicals showed statistically significant correlations to the occurrence of hearing loss. The adjusted odd ratios were as follows: 1.74 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.03-2.96] for males, 2.11 (95% CI, 1.14-3.89) for those in their 40s, 2.24 (95% CI, 1.19-4.20) for those in their 50s, 2.21 (95% CI, 1.18-4.15) for manage/professional works, 2.73 (95% CI, 1.69-4.41) for manufacturing, 2.07 (95% CI, 1.36-3.15) for those who have worked for more than 20 years, 1.72 (95% CI, 1.14-2.58) for noise exposure, 1.53 (95% CI, 1.02-2.30) for vibration exposure and 1.58 (95% CI, 1.11-2.24) for chemical exposure. Conclusions The overall occupational and non-occupational risk factors related to employees' hearing loss were reviewed. In addition to the exposure to noise, occupational risks of hearing loss, such as isolated exposure to vibration and chemicals, and combined exposure to noise and these hazards, were identified. Multiple exposure to hazards, along with prolonged noise exposure increased the risk of hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoo Sang Kim
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Incheon, Korea
| | - Oh Jun Kwon
- Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute, Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency, Incheon, Korea
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16
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2012; 12:211-7. [PMID: 22382450 DOI: 10.1097/aci.0b013e3283520fda] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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17
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Roomaney R, Ehrlich R, Rother HA. The acceptability of rat trap use over pesticides for rodent control in two poor urban communities in South Africa. Environ Health 2012; 11:32. [PMID: 22554267 PMCID: PMC3508837 DOI: 10.1186/1476-069x-11-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rodent infestations are a public health problem in poor urban communities. The use of illegal street pesticides to control rodent infestations with resulting poisonings is an additional public health concern receiving limited attention in many developing countries, including South Africa. METHODS Participants in a household intervention in two poor urban areas of Cape Town, South Africa, received two high quality rat traps. Reported in this article are the results of a follow-up survey conducted six months after distribution to assess community perceived acceptability of using rat traps instead of toxic pesticides (N = 175). RESULTS Of the 175 respondents that were followed up, 88% used the traps and only 35% continued using pesticides after the intervention. The analysis identified perceived effectiveness of the traps (prevalence odds ratio 18.00, 95% confidence interval 4.62 to 70.14), being male (prevalence odds ratio 8.86, 95% confidence interval 1.73 to 45.19), and the willingness to buy traps from an informal market (prevalence odds ratio 17.75, 95% confidence interval 4.22 to 74.57) as significantly associated with the acceptance of trap use. CONCLUSIONS Rat traps, when introduced to poor urban communities, are acceptable as an alternative to toxic pesticides for rodent control. Sustainability of trap use, however, needs to be researched, especially cost and cost-benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rifqah Roomaney
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
- Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation, Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rodney Ehrlich
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Hanna-Andrea Rother
- School of Public Health and Family Medicine, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd., Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa
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Roh S. Work-related diseases of agricultural workers in South Korea. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2012. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2012.55.11.1063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sangchul Roh
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea
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Lee CG. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Korean farmers. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2012. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2012.55.11.1054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chul Gab Lee
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju, Korea
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