| dc.description.abstract | Background: Pesticide exposure is a risk factor for asthma exacerbations in flower farm
regions in the world. Data on low levels of serum cholinesterase among asthmatic
children exposed to the effects of pesticides in Kenya is scanty.
Objectives: To compare and identify variables which affect the activity of serum
cholinesterases in children exposed and unexposed to pesticides.
Methodology: The design was a comparative cross-sectional study that involved exposed
and unexposed children. The study was conducted between May and July, 2014 in
Naivasha, Kenya. Patients who met the eligibility criteria were selected using convenient
sampling. They were interviewed and serum samples were analysed for cholinesterase
levels. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was done. Multi-linear regression was
done to identify variables that affected cholinesterase activity.
Results: Five predictor variables were found to be significantly associated with
depression of serum cholinesterase levels on multivariable analysis. These included; nonschool
attendance by children [β = -1676.8, 95%CI (-3371.6, 18.1), P = 0.052], not using
household pesticides [β =96.3, 95%CI (22.6-170.0), P=0.011]. Others were; not wearing
protective gears [β = - 1456.96, 95%CI (- 2594, 1319.82), P = 0.01], female sex [β =695.7,
95%CI (-1296.2, - 95.3), P = 0.024] and no break after spraying [β =1105.5,
95%CI(315.0, 1895.2), P = 0.007].
Conclusion: Parents should be encouraged to follow personal protective measures
especially wearing of protective gears as this seemed to confer protection from the effects
of pesticide exposure.
Recommendations: A local level policy research for program intervention among flower
farm workers using indoor insecticides like pyrethrins should be established to help
reduce pesticide exposure among the local people. This study suggests that intervention
measures need to be done to lower pesticide exposure of farmers. It is also suggested that
chronic effects of pesticide cited in certain studies such as carcinogenic effects, poor
reproductive outcomes, neurologic and respiratory disorders, impairments of the immune
system and birth defects should also be investigated in future studies. | en_US |
| dc.description.department | a
Department of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi, ; bDepartment of Mental Health, School of Medicine,
Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya | |
