Neurological and Psychiatric Symptoms of Plant Protection Products Sales Workers’ in Şanlıurfa and Related Factors

Öz

Objective: World Health Organization has been reported that, one out of every four people who admitted to health institutions had mental, behavioral or neurological disorders previously undiagnosed. Identifiying the risk factors and risk groups are important to control of mental and neurological disorders. It is reported that workers of pesticides sales are the priority risk group in terms of pesticides exposure. In this study, it was aimed to determine the neuro-psychiatric symptoms and related factors of plant protection products sales workers in Sanliurfa. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 119 pesticides sales that is including the villages of central and central provinces. We used the screening method, and it was reached 91,66% of workplaces. Socio-Demografic Characteristics and Symptom Screening Questionnaire of Pesticide Salers which is consisting of 6 dimentions was used for data collection. Questionnaires were filled out using face to face interview and observation techniques. Results: 98% of study participants were male. The mean age was 36,0±11,2 years. 31,9% of the employees were graduated from Agricultural Engineers, Agricultural Technician or Plant Protection Department of Vocational High School. When the work place environment factors were examined, it was not found the sales which fit allsubstance of the regulations. 19,6% of workers was applied pesticides in addition to sales activities. 42,5% of workers had received training of safe pesticide application. It was found that statistically significant relationship between 6 and higher score of the Q16 Neurological Evaluation Scale and the presence of pesticide application and working time. Educational level was associated with the psychiatric semptoms significantly. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the health screening program of workers, the health education program for gaining the safe pesticide application behavior, and the training and surveillance programs for controlling environmental factors of workplaces should be conducted regularly.

 

Keywords: Pesticide sailer, neurological symptoms, psychiatric symptoms

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Neurological and Psychiatric Symptoms of Plant Protection Products Sales Workers’ in Şanlıurfa and Related Factors

Kaynakça

1. Burcu Kara, Zeynep Şimşek Sanliurfa Eyyübiye Community Health Center , Harran University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health