RISK FACTOR ANALYSIS OF GREEN TOBACCO SICKNESS (GTS) AND THE HANDLING METHOD ON TOBACCO FARMERS

Abstract

The life of Tobacco farmers is very vulnerable to the various life aspects. Health aspect is one of the problems for tobacco farmers. Each job poses risks that may affect the health of workers, no exception for tobacco farmers. Tobacco farmers are at risk of developing occupational diseases associated with exposure to pesticides and absorption of wet tobacco leaves nicotine through the skin that is called Green Tobacco Sickness (GTS). The purpose of this study is to analyze the risk factors of GTS disease on tobacco farmers including: environmental factors (humidity, rainfall, geographical conditions, irrigation water), individual characteristics factors (age, gender, education, marital status, time been a tobacco farmer), and behavioral factors (knowledge, attitudes, GTS associated actions). This study used an analytical approach with survey method and using cross-sectional design, which is to study the dynamics of the correlation between risk factors with effects, by means of observation and data collection approach using questionnaires. This study was conducted in 12 districts in Jember regency which is a center of tobacco production in September to December 2013. Data were collected by interview, observation, and focus group discussion. The results showed that most respondents are male sex, do not go to school, married and has become a tobacco farmer for more than 10 years and have a monthly income below the minimum wage. Most tobacco farmers have low knowledge of GTS symptoms (96.6%), with a negative attitude towards prevention of GTS (98.9%), and have poor precautions of GTS (86.5%). There are 66.3% of tobacco farmers who have GTS symptoms. Statistical tests showed that there were influences between the sexes (p = 0.022) and time been tobacco farmer (p = 0.025) as well as preventive behavior of GTS (p = 0.002) on the occurrence of GTS symptoms on tobacco farmers. The handling Method of GTS is through three approaches (farmers' knowledge and attitudes about GTS, Procurement of PPE, Chairman of Farmers Group and Agricultural Extension Officers). It is needed a socialization in groups of tobacco farmers about the prevention of GTS symptoms through behavioral approach by means of a shower and change clothes after working in the tobacco field, and the use of waterproof clothing, gloves and boots.