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. 2000 Aug;90(8):1269–1276. doi: 10.2105/ajph.90.8.1269

Agricultural work-related injuries among farmers in Hubei, People's Republic of China.

H Xiang 1, Z Wang 1, L Stallones 1, T J Keefe 1, X Huang 1, X Fu 1
PMCID: PMC1446351  PMID: 10937008

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This population-based study evaluated patterns of and risk factors for, agricultural injuries among farmers in the People's Republic of China. METHODS: A multistage sample of 1500 Chinese farmers was selected from 14 villages. Face-to-face interviews with 1358 farmers were conducted between July 1997 and September 1997 (response rate = 91%). Agricultural work-related injuries that occurred in the previous 24 months and the associated factors were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 33% of the farmers reported at least 1 work-related injury in the 24 months before the survey. Major external causes of the injuries were hand tools (50%), falls (26%), and heavy falling objects (10%). The statistically significant risk factors for injury were low family income, 1 to 6 school years of education, self-reported pesticide exposure, tension in relationships with neighbors, and stress in life. The most notable result was the relation between self-reported pesticide exposure and injury, with farmers with greater pesticide exposure at significantly greater risk for injury. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that injuries occurring among Chinese farmers may have unique patterns and potential risk factors.

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Selected References

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