Tarım Çalışanlarında Pestisit Maruz Kalımı ve Dikkat Düzeyi

Abstract

Özpolat Çakar N., Pesticide Exposure and Attention Level in Agricultural Workers, Hacettepe University, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Occupational Health Program PhD Thesis, Ankara, 2026. This thesis is a cross-sectional study conducted to examine the relationship between the risk of pesticide exposure and attention deficit level in agricultural workers, and the role of mental health status in this relationship. The study included 400 out of 1050 agricultural workers registered with the Erdemli Chamber of Agriculture in Mersin province. The sociodemographic characteristics, habits, work life characteristics, pesticide exposure, mental health status, and attention levels of the workers were evaluated. The risk of pesticide exposure was calculated based on a total risk score created by retrospectively questioning factors such as exposure duration, frequency and amount, toxicity of the pesticide used, age of exposure, receiving pesticide application training, and use of personal protective equipment. When attention deficit levels were examined, it was determined that 18 participants (4.5%) had levels consistent with an ADHD diagnosis and required clinical evaluation. In the multiple linear regression analysis conducted to determine the variables associated with attention deficit level; it was observed that employees with higher scores in alcohol use habit (p=0.042; 95% CI 0.03/1.41), daytime sleepiness (p=0.002; 95% CI 0.06/0.24), mental health status (p<0.001, 95% CI 0.41/0.57), and pesticide risk status (p=0.006 95% CI 0.03/0.17) had higher attention deficit levels. The inattention subscale was associated with alcohol use, presence of chronic disease, daytime sleepiness, and mental health status; the hyperactivity/impulsivity subscale was associated with alcohol use, mental health status, and pesticide risk status. The mediation analysis results showed that mental health status was not a mediating mechanism explaining the relationship between pesticide risk status and attention deficit level. In conclusion, it was assessed that attention deficit levels in agricultural workers are related to multiple factors, and that measures to strengthen mental health should be considered together with practices aimed at reducing pesticide exposure.