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A Study of the Sensitivity, Specificity, and Accuracy of a Developed Risk Matrix on Risk Assessment Among Pesticide
Chuthamas Chagkornburee1, Sunisa Chaiklieng2, Pornnapa Suggaravetsiri3
1Doctor of Public Health Program, Faculty of Public Health Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Journal of Agromedicine
|November 6, 2025
Summary
A new risk matrix effectively screens occupational pesticide exposure in agricultural workers. This tool helps identify high-risk individuals, improving health and safety in farming communities.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Health
- Risk Assessment
Background:
- Pesticide exposure poses significant risks in agriculture.
- Occupational risk assessment and screening for pesticide exposure are understudied.
- Developing effective tools for evaluating pesticide exposure risks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of a novel occupational risk assessment matrix for pesticide exposure.
- To assess the effectiveness of the developed matrix in identifying high-risk agricultural workers.
Main Methods:
- A 4x4 risk matrix was created by combining exposure likelihood and symptom severity.
- Data collected via questionnaires and serum cholinesterase testing from 421 pesticide sprayers in Thailand.
- The matrix's performance was validated using a 2x2 table to determine sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy.
Main Results:
- Abnormal cholinesterase levels, indicating unsafe risk, were found in 48% of sprayers.
- The risk matrix classified 42.52% as moderate risk and 57% as low-to-very high risk.
- The matrix demonstrated a sensitivity of 73.17%, specificity of 64%, and accuracy of 73% for risk screening.
Conclusions:
- Pesticide sprayers in the study group are a high-risk population.
- The developed risk matrix is a valuable tool for health screening and risk assessment among pesticide applicators.
- Effective risk assessment programs are essential for mitigating pesticide exposure health effects.
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