Socio-anthropometric and health conditions of conventional cotton growers exposed to pesticides near the Hippopotamus Pool Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

It is essential to know the health status of producers exposed to pesticides through conventional cotton production to address the health problems associated with the use of these substances in the agricultural environment. The aim of this study was to assess the socio-anthropometric conditions and health status of conventional cotton producers exposed to pesticides around the Hippopotamus Pool Biosphere Reserve through medical consultations.
One hundred and eighty (180) volunteer cotton growers underwent a medical check-up and completed a questionnaire at the health centers in the villages of Bala, Sokourani and Tiarakô. Measurements were also taken to assess their physiological, physical, and anthropometric constants.
The median body mass index of the farmers was 21.38 kg/m². The majority (92.78%) had a normal axillary temperature. Some suffered from arterial hypertension (1.67%), asthma (1.67%) and diabetes (1.11%). In addition, 8.89% of the volunteers were taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. History of surgery (8.33%) included 06 cases of inguinal hernia and one case of umbilical hernia, foot tumour and testicle. Nervous system disorders (65.56%), digestive disorders (26.67%), respiratory disorders (24.44%) and reproductive disorders (7.78%) were also found.
The observed situations appear to be influenced by pesticides, but due to the limitations of the study it is not possible to attribute them directly to these substances. Further biological analysis may be required to investigate the relationship between pesticide exposure and the specific disorders identified.