Oregon Indigenous Farmworkers Results of Promotor Intervention on Pesticide Knowledge and Organophosphate Metabolite Levels

• Authors: Linda McCauley, Emory University; Jennifer D. Runkle, Emory University; Julie Samples, Oregon Law Center Hillsboro; Bryan Williams, Emory University; Juan F. Muniz, Drexel University; Marie Semple, Emory University; Nargess Shadbeh, Oregon Law Center Portland
• Journal Title: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
• Volume: Volume 55, Number 10
• Publisher: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins | 2013-10-01, Pages 1164-1170
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0b013e31829b28e4
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Environmental Sciences
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; NORTH-CAROLINA; EXPOSURE; SAFETY; METABOLITES; STANDARD; WORKERS; HEALTH; URINE

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in health beliefs, pesticide safety knowledge, and biomarkers of pesticide exposure in indigenous farmworkers who received enhanced pesticide safety training compared with those receiving the standard training. METHODS: Farmworkers in Oregon were randomly assigned to either a promotors pesticide safety training program or a standard video-based training. Spot urine samples were analyzed for dialkyl phosphate urinary metabolites. Pre-/postintervention questionnaires were used to measure pesticide safety knowledge, health beliefs, and work practices. RESULTS: Baseline to follow-up improvements in total pesticide knowledge scores were higher in the promotor group than in the standard video group. Pairwise differences in mean concentrations of dialkyl phosphate metabolite levels showed declines from baseline to follow-up for both intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed reductions in pesticide exposure in indigenous-language speaking farmworkers who received enhanced pesticide safety training.