Introduction: Over 66% of the population in Nepal is engaged in agriculture, where pesticide exposure is a common issue among farmer. The shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and inadequate education on proper PPE use and spraying techniques further increase the risk of pesticide exposure. As pesticides are essential for agriculture and public health, this study aims to assess farmers' awareness regarding pesticides and their effects on health and the environment.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 5th August to 5th November 2025 in Chisapani village of Baijanath Rural Municipality using convenience sampling. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Committee. A total of 100 farmers who had been farming for more than 6 months were included in the study.
Results: Among the respondents, 74% perceived pesticides as poison; however, more than half (51%) had used them for 5 to 10 years. The highest proportion, 45% used pesticides for growing both vegetables and grains and 95% sprayed two to three times per month. More than half (52%) do not use any personal protective equipment. Only 23% knew the correct use, 30% checked the expiry date and type and 22% followed the proper directions of use. Health effects were reported by 29%, and 20% reported chronic long-term effects. Respondents who agreed that pesticides affect the environment (the pesticides contaminate surface and groundwater and soil, air, and target and non-target vegetables) were 97 %.
Conclusion: The study found a gap between awareness and safe pesticide-use practices among farmers. Most respondents recognize pesticides as poisonous but continue to use them for years, two to three times per month. Although farmers have experienced health issues, many continue to ignore them and still lack safe practices.
S. Jyoti, Mukesh Yadav, Anika Yadav et al.· International Journal of Occ...· 0 citations
Introduction:Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major metabolic disorder associated with dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and increasedcardiovascular risk. Alterations in lipid metabolism contribute significantly to the progression of atherosclerosis.
Aims: To evaluate lipid profiles, atherogenic indices, and insulin resistance in patients with Type 2 diabetes and compare them with non-diabetic controls.
Methods: A hospital based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 type 2 diabetes patients and 120 age-matched controls. Fasting glucose, insulin, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid parameters were measured. Atherogenic indices including Cardiac Risk Ratio, Atherogenic Coefficient, and Atherogenic Index of Plasma were calculated. Insulin resistance was assessed using the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance.
Results: Type 2 diabetes patients exhibited significantly higher triglycerides, total cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein, and atherogenic indices, while High density lipoprotein was reduced compared to controls. Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance values were markedly elevated in diabetics compared to control. (4.82 ± 1.56 vs. 2.12 ± 0.84, p < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance and triglycerides, low density lipoprotein, cardiac risk ratio, Atherogenic Coefficient, and Atherogenic Index of Plasma, with Atherogenic Index of Plasma showing the strongest correlation (r = 0.612, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Patients with type 2 diabetes demonstrate significant dyslipidemia, elevated atherogenic indices, and increased insulin resistance. Atherogenic index of plasma emerged as a reliable marker of cardiovascular risk, highlighting the importance of routine evaluation of lipid profiles and atherogenic indices for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes.
M. Shrewastwa, S. Bk, S. Karn· Journal of Nepalgunj Medical...· 0 citations