ORIGINAL: Exposure to Agrochemicals and Markers of Kidney Damage among Farmers in Rural Communities in Southwestern Nigeria.

West Afr J Med. 2021 Jan; 38(1): 48-53. PMID: 33463707

Authors

  • S. O. Ajayi Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.
  • Y. R. Raji Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Lagos, Nigeria.
  • O. S. Michael Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
  • D. Adewole Department of Health Policy and Management, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
  • T. Akande Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
  • B. Abiola Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
  • S. Aminu Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
  • A. Olugbenga-Bello Department of Anaesthesiology University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
  • A, Arije Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Agrochemicals, Farming, Kidney damage, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Chronic kidney disease of unknown origin (CKDu) is assuming an epidemic proportion, especially in farming communities worldwide. We explored the relationship between CKD markers and agrochemical exposure among rural farmers in South Western Nigeria.

Methods: We studied selected farming communities in Southwestern Nigeria where the use of agrochemicals was widespread. A pre-tested questionnaire was administered to participants. Anthropometric data, information on use of agro-chemicals; urine and blood samples were obtained. Informed consent was obtained from participants. The study was approved by the Institutional Ethics committee and complied with 1975 Helsinki declaration, as revised in 2000.

Results: A total of 438 farmers made up of 202 males (46.1%) and 236 females (53.9%) were studied. The mean microalbuminuria was 30.2 ±11.7 mg/dl. Majority of the farmers had CKD stage 2(42.0%) and CKD stage 3 (37.7%). The type of farming engaged in had a positive, but not significant, correlation with eGFR (r=0.012, p=0.832). There was positive correlation between type of farming and GFR category (r=0.24, p=0.000). Frequency of use of hexachlorocyclohexane had a positive and significant correlation with eGFR (r=0.111, p=0.045). Annual crop farming had a correlation with UACR (r=0.149, p=0.024).

Conclusion: Annual crop farming had a positive correlation with UACR, eGFR and GFR category. The prolonged use of agrochemicals on an annual basis can cause kidney damage.

Published

2021-01-31

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 1 (2021): The West African Journal of Medicine

Section

Articles
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