Health Seeking Behavior of Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS) on Tobacco Farmer at Jember Regency

Abstract

Tobacco farmers became very vulnerable with the symptoms of GTS (Green Tobacco Sickness) are diseases that can be caused by the absorption of nicotine through the skin when farmers work in wet tobacco leaves. Based on the results of the research in the first stage about the risk factors of tobacco Farmers on the GTS mentions that there were 66% tobacco farmers are experiencing symptoms of GTS. This is confirmed by research which mentions that most tobacco farmers (54,7%) have low status of health quality. Objective: This research aim to analyze health seeking bihaviour green tobacco sickness (GTS) on tobacco farmer at Jember Regency. Methods: This research used cross sectional approach to analyze GTS healing behavior on tobacco farmers who have suffered symptoms of GTS. Results: Health seeking behavior of GTS symptoms of the tobacco farmers in large part with the description of the frequency is always done in sequence from the biggest percentage are: chemical drugs use by purchasing drugs in pharmacies or drug stores by 60%, then the second sequence is treating itself as done by ancestors of 38.3%, third place is to go to the doctor or midwife by 35%, the fourth was going to the hospital (26.7 percent), and the last treated with traditional medicines (3.3 percent). GTS Symptoms prevention is needed a socialization on tobacco farmers through farmer group meetings available in each village or district of tobacco production centers, by agricultural extension agents from Plantation Office of Jember. In addition, it is necessary the procurement of PPE such as gloves and long shirt made from waterproof material to tobacco farmers in order to prevent the occurrence of GTS symptoms. The most important is the improvement of health care facilities for tobacco farmers in overcoming the symptoms of GTS namely by providing doctor or midwife on standby at the health center or assistant health center in each village.