Occupational Exposure to Green Tobacco Sickness among Tobacco Farmers in Jember, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Exposure to nicotine in tobacco leaves was once associated with health problems among farm workers, although there is still controversy as to the chemical types, intensity and forms of exposures that present risk factors for getting Green Tobacco Sickness. The objective of this study is to explain the prevalence of Green Tobacco Sickness among tobacco farmers and associated factors. The method used is cross sectional study with a representative sample of tobacco growers, characterizing social demographic indicators of farmer, occupational exposure, and personal protective equipment. In total, 46 tobacco farmers were assessed and Green Tobacco Sickness prevalence was 11%. Based on sociodemographic characteristics, the majority of the research population are married males, aged from 31 to 40 years, with elementary school education. Most have been smokers at some point in time. Based on employment history being a risk of Green Tobacco Sickness, the majority of respondents work as farmers and landowners for a five-year working period. The length of work is less than eight hours per working day. The intensity of working in a tobacco field within a year ranges from three to seven months. This study reinforces the evidence of the association between nicotine exposure and Green Tobacco Sickness.