Analysis of Organophosphate Pesticide use and Cholinesterase Enzyme Levels Among Farmers in Banjarejo Village, Pakis District

Abstract

Introduction: Organophosphate pesticides are widely used to control agricultural pests and may inhibit cholinesterase activity, making blood cholinesterase a useful biomarker of exposure. Objective: This study analyzed the use of organophosphate pesticides and cholinesterase levels among farmers in Banjarejo Village, Pakis District, Malang Regency. Method: This observational analytic study used a cross-sectional design. Nine active pesticide-spraying farmers were selected by purposive sampling. Data on age, sex, knowledge, spraying frequency and duration, personal protective equipment (PPE), working period, and pesticide dose were collected using questionnaires and observation. Cholinesterase levels were examined from blood samples. Fisher's Exact Test was used for bivariate analysis with α=0.05. Results and Discussion: Seven respondents (77.8%) had normal cholinesterase levels and two (22.2%) had abnormal levels. Fisher's Exact Test showed no significant association between sex (p=1.000), knowledge (p=0.444), spraying frequency (p=1.000), working period (p=0.444), and pesticide dose (p=1.000) with cholinesterase levels. Age, spraying duration, and PPE use could not be statistically tested because their categories were constant. Conclusion: Most respondents had normal cholinesterase levels, but abnormal results were still found. The small sample and limited variation among exposure categories restrict statistical interpretation. Safe pesticide handling, correct dosing, and complete PPE use should nevertheless be strengthened