Analysis of Determinants of Mercury Exposure on Neurological Symptoms in Small-Scale Gold Workers in Tallo District Makassar City

Mercury exposure is a toxic metal that has long-term risks to human health such as neurological symptoms.Mercury pollution has become an issue of international concern.This can happen if in gold refining using mercury and unawareness of occupational safety in the workplace.This study aim to determine determinants that affect neurological symptoms in small-scale gold workers in Tallo District, Makassar City This cross-sectional study involved 30 workers who gave informed consent and met the inclusion criteria.Data analysis was performed using chi-square and logistic regression models and data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 Based on the outcomes of statistical analyses, it seems that working period (P=0.007),use of personal protective equipment (P=0.002), and mercury concentration (P=0.001) have an effect on neurological symptoms.Age (P=0.114),working hours in a day (P=0.273),and smoking habit (P=0.760) had no significant effect on neurological symptoms in small-scale gold workers in Tallo District, Makassar City Mercury concentration is the most dominant determinant of neurological symptoms and tends to increase with years of work and lack of personal protective equipment.