Factors associated with pesticide poisoning: cross-sectional study among coffee plantation workers in southern Minas Gerais

Objective: to investigate factors associated with symptoms of sub-acute pesticide intoxication among rural coffee plantation workers. Methods: cross-sectional study with 412 workers in Silvianopolis and Sao Goncalo do Sapucai, Minas Gerais state, in 2011. Logistic regression analysis was conducted, with calculation of odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: there was 59.2% prevalence at least one typical symptom of sub-acute intoxication. Variables associated with the outcome were: previous hospitalization due to pesticide poisoning, (OR 6.03; 95% CI 1.91; 19.1), residence in rural area (OR 2.86; 95% CI 1.52; 5.40) and temporary or permanent employment (OR 2.36; 95% CI 1.04; 5.39). Male gender was a protective factor (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.31; 0.72). Conclusions: the prevalence of intoxication symptoms was high, especially among women living in rural areas residents, with temporary employment contracts and previous hospitalization for intoxication.