Comparison of the effects of synthetic pesticide use on liver and kidney function among vegetable farmers from Cameron Highland

Fakrullah, Farah Izzati (2024) Comparison of the effects of synthetic pesticide use on liver and kidney function among vegetable farmers from Cameron Highland. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Cameron Highlands, located in Pahang, Malaysia, has a tropical climate which is ideal for cultivating a wide variety of vegetables and fruits. However, concerns arise when pesticides are widely used by farmers to ensure high agricultural yields in response to market demand. Pesticides can pose a threat to human health through either acute and chronic health effects such as liver and kidney damage. Some pesticides are highly toxic, even in small amounts. Objectives: To compare the effects of synthetic pesticide use on liver and kidney function among vegetable farmers from Cameron Highland. Methodology: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 47 conventional vegetable farmers and 15 organic vegetable farmers from Bertam, Tringkap, Tanah Rata and Brinchang of Cameron Highland. The respondents were chosen based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, such as being a farmer in Cameron Highland with at least 12 months of experience and being between the ages of 18 and 60. A face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire was conducted to examine respondents’ socio-demographical and occupational backgrounds, followed by venipuncture blood collection to perform liver and kidney function tests. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software (SPSS) Version 29 was used to analyze all of the data collected. Results and Discussion: Spearman correlation was done to associate pesticide-induced changes in cholinesterase activity, kidney function and liver function among organic and conventional vegetable farmers. The correlation between cholinesterase level and liver function indicator (AST and ALT) from organic farmers was negative and poor, r (45) = -0.161, p>0.05 for AST and negative and poor, r (45) = -0.218, p>0.05 for ALT. The correlation between cholinesterase level and kidney function indicator (creatine and urea) from organic farmers was negative and poor, r (45) = -0.046, p>0.05 for creatine and negative and poor, r (45) = -0.243, p>0.05 for urea. There were negative associations between cholinesterase activity, kidney function, and liver function among all vegetable farmers. Conclusion: There were adverse correlations observed among all vegetable farmers between cholinesterase activity, kidney function, and liver function. given the potential health risks, regular health check-ups for farmers could be recommended. Early detection of any adverse health effects related to pesticide exposure can facilitate timely intervention and treatment. Keywords: Pesticide, Cholinesterase, Farmers, kidney function, Liver function

Item Type:	Project Paper
Subjects:	R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA0421 Public health. Hygiene. Preventive Medicine
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	29 Apr 2025 03:26
Last Modified:	16 Oct 2025 02:15
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2371

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