Pesticide induced complications among pistachio farmers: In the rural area of Rafsanjan, Iran (2010)

 Background: Pesticides have important effects on human health. Due to the wide range of pesticide application and also involvement of more than 60% of people living in this study area in the agriculture, it is essential to assess the side effects of these biohazards. Therefore, we designed this study to assess the impact of using pesticides on the health status of pistachio farmers, in rural area of Rafsanjan, Iran.  Material and Methods : In this descriptive study we have analysed the side effects of pesticides on farmers who used these substances in pistachio farms. A sample of 115 male farmers in the rural area of Rafsanjan County was randomly recruited. A questionnaire was designed to ask about age¸ marrital status¸ working experience¸ training status (regarding pesticides)¸ specific diseases¸ hospital admission the history of acute poisoning and other toxic signs of respondents. Data were analysed using SPSS and Excel. Parametric and non-parametric tests were used to compare groups where appropriate.  Results : One hundred and four cases were married of which 1.7% were infertile. Among respondents' children (102), we found 6 cases of brain disease that 2 of them suffered from menangocell. About 45% of respondents did not change their diet during application of pesticides. Only 14.7% of respondents were trained regarding the application of pesticides. The most prominent side effect of pesticides among respondents was tiredness (66.4%).  Conclusion : Based on our findings, program is needed for training of pistachio farmers regarding methods of using pesticides and also how to use personal protection. It is also important to train respondents' families to prevent side effects of pesticides among their children.