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Work Environment-Related Risk Factors for Leptospirosis among Plantation Workers in Tropical Countries: Evidence from
J Mohd Ridzuan1, B D Aziah, W M Zahiruddin
1Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia Health Campus, 16150 Kota Bharu, Malaysia. drridzza@yahoo.com.
Background:
Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease that is recognized as a re-emerging global public health issue, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. Malaysia, for example, has increasingly registered leptospirosis cases, outbreaks, and fatalities over the past decade. One of the major industries in the country is the palm oil sector, which employs numerous agricultural workers. These laborers are at a particularly high risk of contracting the disease.
Objective:
To identify the work environment-related risk factors for leptospirosis infection among oil palm plantation workers in Malaysia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study involving 350 workers was conducted. The participants were interviewed and administered a microscopic agglutination test. Seropositivity was determined using a cut-off titer of ≥1:100.
Results:
100 of 350 workers tested positive for leptospiral antibodies, hence, a seroprevalence of 28.6% (95% CI 23.8% to 33.3%). The workplace environment-related risk factors significantly associated with seropositive leptospirosis were the presence of cows in plantations (adjusted OR 4.78, 95% CI 2.76 to 8.26) and the presence of a landfill in plantations (adjusted OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.40).
Conclusion:
Preventing leptospirosis incidence among oil palm plantation workers necessitates changes in policy on work environments. Identifying modifiable factors may also contribute to the reduction of the infection.
Insights
Leptospirosis is a significant health risk for Malaysian oil palm workers. Cows and landfills on plantations were identified as key workplace risk factors for this re-emerging zoonotic disease.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Infectious Diseases
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Leptospirosis is a re-emerging zoonotic disease with increasing cases in Malaysia.
- Oil palm plantation workers face a high risk of leptospirosis infection.
- Understanding workplace risk factors is crucial for disease prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify work environment-related risk factors for leptospirosis among Malaysian oil palm plantation workers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 350 oil palm plantation workers.
- Participants underwent interviews and microscopic agglutination testing.
- Seropositivity defined as a titer of ≥1:100.
Main Results:
- A seroprevalence of 28.6% for leptospirosis was found.
- Presence of cows (aOR 4.78) and landfills (aOR 2.04) in plantations were significant risk factors.
- These factors were associated with seropositive leptospirosis.
Conclusions:
- Work environment modifications are essential to prevent leptospirosis in this population.
- Identifying and addressing modifiable risk factors can reduce infection rates.
- Policy changes are needed to improve worker health and safety.
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