Effect of heat exposure on health among organic and conventional paddy farmers at Sik, Kedah

Baharudin, Nur Afiqa Maryam (2019) Effect of heat exposure on health among organic and conventional paddy farmers at Sik, Kedah. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Background: Heat is one of the environmental hazards among agricultural workers due to its nature of working outdoor directly to sunlight which can cause changes in physiological factors of the body such as core body temperature, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as causing blood glucose and blood cholesterol intolerance. This may contribute to the occurrence of heat-related illness and other metabolic diseases among farmers. Objective: This study aims to determine the potential health effects from heat exposure among organic and conventional paddy farmers at Sik, Kedah. Methodology: This study was conducted at the paddy field of Sik, Kedah by recruiting 33 organic and 25 conventional paddy farmers. The adapted questionnaire was used to obtain the respondent's background information. In addition, the environmental and physiological measurements were carried out to determine the heat stress index and physiological strain index. The heat stress index was monitored by using QUESTemp o36 Thermal Environment while the physiological indicators were measured by using Temperature Ear Thermometer, Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Monitor and Cholesterol and Glucose Monitor Kit. Results and Discussion: Study shows that there is significant difference between heat stress index, blood pressure and blood glucose levels among organic and conventional paddy farmers. Besides, there is significant association among blood glucose and blood pressure with pesticide used and non-pesticide used among farmers. Conclusions: The findings of this study shows that the used of pesticide may act as a synergistic effect that produce greater health effects to those who exposed to heat at their work environment. The difference of heat-related health effects among pesticide used and non-pesticide used's farming community could serve as an important factor to take into account while implementing workplace heat stress program by government at the agricultural industry. Keywords: Heat exposure, heat-related symptoms, blood glucose and blood cholesterol

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	25 Feb 2025 07:14
Last Modified:	25 Feb 2025 07:14
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2338

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