8279261 Occupational factors associated with impaired kidney function in a Taiwanese agricultural population

<h3>Objective</h3> Heat stress and nephrotoxic pesticides have been proposed as factors impairing farmers’ renal function. This study aimed to assess the association between agricultural work characteristics and renal function among farmers in Taiwan. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> We analyzed data from participants in the ongoing Cohort for Occupational Health among Farmers in Taiwan (COH-FIT). Demographic data, work conditions, health behaviors, and medical histories were collected via structured questionnaires. Work tasks were classified as outdoor, screenhouse/greenhouse, or indoor, with daily durations reported. Body composition, blood, and urine samples were collected during health examinations. Impaired renal function was defined as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) &gt; 25 mg/dL, serum creatinine (Cre) &gt; 1.5 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) &lt; 60 mL/min/1.73 m², or cystatin C &gt; 0.99 mg/L. Student’s t-tests compared renal function across work groups; multivariate logistic regression identified associated factors. <h3>Results</h3> Among 635 participants, 546 (86.0%) engaged in outdoor work, 158 (24.9%) in screenhouse/greenhouse work, and 147 (23.2%) in indoor work. Male farmers and those with junior high school education or below had significantly higher BUN, Cre, and cystatin C levels. Screenhouse/greenhouse and indoor workers showed significantly lower renal markers. Longer outdoor work hours in summer were associated with elevated BUN (OR 1.32; 95% CI: 1.09–1.60) and Cre (OR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.00–1.85). Indoor work showed a non-significant trend toward lower renal risk. Pesticide use was not significantly associated with renal outcomes. Age consistently predicted worse renal function, while diabetes, hypertension, hyperuricemia, and smoking were linked to select outcomes. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Prolonged outdoor agricultural work and heat stress pose important renal health risks, especially amid global warming. Adjusting work schedules, ensuring hydration, and protecting aging farmers and those with preexisting conditions are critical. Longitudinal follow-up will provide further insight into the long-term occupational impacts on renal health.