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

Objectives. This population-based study evaluated patterns of, and risk fac tors for, agricultural injuries among farmers in the People's Republic of C hina. Methods. A multistage sample of 1500 Chinese farmers was selected from 14 v illages. Face-to-face interviews with 1358 farmers were conducted between J uly 1997 and September 1997 (response rate = 91%). Agricultural work-relate d injuries that occurred in the previous 24 months and the associated facto rs were evaluated. Results. A total of 33% of the farmers reported at least 1 work-related-inj ury in the 24 months before the survey. Major external causes of the injuri es 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 resu lt was the relation between self-reported pesticide exposure and injury, wi th farmers with greater pesticide exposure at significantly greater risk fo r injury. Conclusions. The results of this study indicated that injuries occurring am ong Chinese farmers may have unique patterns and potential risk factors.