Occupational pesticide exposure and its associated health impacts on vegetable farmers in North-Shoa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Extensive and indiscriminate use of pesticides in the agricultural sector has increased significant environmental, health, and food security concerns, particularly in countries where regulations are not strictly implemented. This study aimed to assess associations between pesticide practices, occupational exposure, and health effects in six selected districts in the North-Shoa Zone of Amhara Region, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 729 vegetable farmers in the study area. Data were collected through adopted questionnaires containing five major sections. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and binary logistic regression model. The findings showed that about 75% of chemical pesticides in the study area belonged to WHO classes Ib-II, such as Aldrin, DDT, Endosulfan-α /β), and Ethiosulfan. We examined the pesticide practice, exposure, and associated self-reported health effects using regression to estimate odds ratio (OR). The findings demonstrate that safe pesticide practices and occupational exposure are significant factors of self-reported health effects among vegetable farmers in the study area. The use of highly toxic pesticides (OR = 7.57 (95% Cl: 5.22–10.90), the inconsistent use of PPE (OR = 7.84 (95% Cl: 5.49–11.29)), and poor hygienic practices (OR = 1.66 (95% Cl:1.20–2.32)) show a significant positive association with self-reported health symptoms, such as headache, skin irritation, nausea, itchy eyes, dizziness, and fatigue. These findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen pesticide risk management through integrated safe handling practices and reinforcing international and national regulation and policies.