Abstract:
"This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate pesticide use behavior and cholinesterase (ChE) levels, as well as to examine the association between these factors among ethnic farmers in Pang Mapha District, Mae Hong Son Province. The study included 340 ethnic farmers aged 20 years and older, representing the Karen, Red Lahu, Black Lahu, Lisu, and Shan groups. Data were collected through questionnaires and blood samples using ChE test papers. Binary logistic regression was used for data analysis, with adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) reported. The study found that 65.9% of farmers exhibited moderate pesticide use behavior, while 53.8% had abnormal (risky or unsafe) blood ChE levels. Pesticide use behavior was significantly associated with blood ChE levels (p < 0.05) after adjusting for sex, smoking, alcohol consumption, farm size, and proximity to agricultural land. Farmers with good pesticide use behavior had a 91% lower risk of abnormal ChE levels (AOR = 0.09 ; 95% CI: 0.040.23), while those with moderate behavior had a 69% lower risk (AOR = 0.31 ; 95% CI: 0.150.65) compared to those with poor behavior. Additionally, each 1-unit increase in the pesticide use behavior score was associated with a 10% decrease in the risk of abnormal ChE levels (AOR = 0.90 ; 95% CI: 0.870.93). According to the findings, ethnic farmers are at high risk of exposure to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides. Therefore, interventions should be implemented to promote and improve safe and correct pesticide use practices, aiming to prevent and reduce pesticide exposure in this population."