Eat index and cortisol as indicators of heat exposure associated with health and productivity among pineapple workers in Johor

Abd Razak, Nurshahira (2018) Eat index and cortisol as indicators of heat exposure associated with health and productivity among pineapple workers in Johor. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Climate change has made agriculture workers prone to hot working environments which could induces the stress hormones secretions. Objective: The study objective was to determine heat index and cortisol as an indicators of heat exposure and its association with health and productivity among pineapple workers in Johor. Method: Physiological parameters, cortisol level, productivity and heat index were measured for 82 workers. Blood pressure and body core temperature were measured using Omron T-3 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor and Omron Mc-510 Gentle Temperature Ear Thermometer respectively. QUESTEMP036 Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) monitor were used to measure the heat index. Questionnaires with productivity form were used to obtain worker's background information and their activities. An ELISA assay kit was used to measure hair cortisol level. Result: Mean heat index for 18 days was 29.5 °C which exceeded the threshold limit by Malaysia DOSH. All workers reported to have fatigue, sweating and thirstiness. Physiological parameters during work were significantly higher than physiological parameters after work. There was a significant relationship between dizziness and heat index. Age was found to have significant relationship with body core temperature and systolic blood pressure after work period. There were also significant relationship found between dizziness and body core temperature during work. Years of employment, BMI and thirstiness had significant relationship with systolic blood pressure during work. There were significant relationship between years of employment and heat index with diastolic blood pressure for during and after work period. Muscle cramps also have significant relationship with diastolic blood pressure during work. Productivity of each work group in morning session were significantly higher than afternoon. There was a significant relationship between humidity and productivity of planters and harvesters. Productivity of manual weeders and seeders had significant relationship with diastolic blood pressure and heart rate respectively. No significant correlation found between heat index and hair cortisol level. Conclusion: Heat index exceeded the threshold limit and was directly correlated with the body core temperature during work. Humidity decreased the overall productivity of the planters only who categorised as heavy work group. Heat index was not significantly correlated with the hair cortisol level.

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	05 Nov 2024 01:07
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2024 01:15
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2089

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