The Point Prevalence of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition, Neuropathy and Safety Awareness among Flower Farm Workers in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Kenya.
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Date
2024-01
Authors
Mathenge, Scholastica
Ojola, Patroba
Mwangi, Hannah Wanjiru
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
TJMDR
Abstract
Acetyl cholinesterase catalyses the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in the nerve synapses, thereby terminating nerve impulse,
however, it is inhibited by organophosphates and carbamates. This study aimed to assess the level of acetyl cholinesterase
inhibition and the resultant neuropathy in flower farm workers as well as the farmers’ awareness of safety measures and
predisposing factors while handling pesticides. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 217 participants from
different flower farms. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data to assess level of safety and predisposing awareness
and to assess for neuropathy. Blood samples were collected to determine the cholinesteraselevels using spectrophotometry
technique at 405 nm. The mean serum cholinesterase level in flower farm workers in Naivasha was 5873.26 U/L. There was a
positive correlation (R= 0.07) between the numbers of years worked in the industry and serum cholinesterase levels as shown
by Karl Pearson`s coefficient. The point prevalence of cholinesterase inhibition in Naivasha was 14% indicating a significant
risk of adverse health effects. The level of safety awareness and predisposing factors among workers on pesticide exposure
was 65%, suggesting that while the majority of workers had some level of safety awareness, there is still room for
improvement. The point prevalence of neuropathy was 38% of the participants presenting with varying symptoms of adverse
effects of pesticide exposure. Musculoskeletal impairment was leading at 19.81%, followed by skin irritation at 13.36%. These
findings highlighted the need for better safety measures and awareness campaigns in the flower farm industry to reduce the
risk of acetyl cholinesterase inhibition.
Description
Article
Keywords
Neurotoxicity Neurotoxicity, acetyl cholinesterase, inhibition, safety and predisposing factor, pesticide
Citation
Mathenge, S., Ojola, P., & Mwangi, H. W. (2024). THE Point prevalence of acetylcholinesterase inhibition, neuropathy and safety awareness among flower farm workers in naivasha, nakuru county, kenya. The Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 4(1), 19-28. https://doi.org/10.37022/tjmdr.v4i1.553