Agrochemical use in Farming Practices and Risk Factors for Kidney Disease among Dwellers of Rural Farming Communities in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The outlook of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in low-and-medium-income-countries is poor. Modern farming practices in Nigeria are becoming increasingly associated with the use of herbicides and pesticides. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate agrochemical use in farming practices and risk factors for kidney disease among dwellers of rural farming communities in South-West Nigeria. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of adult dwellers of an agrarian rural farming community in South-West Nigeria. Participants provided information on demographics, lifestyles, knowledge, and awareness of risk factors for kidney disease, and the use of agrochemicals in farming practice. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure values were obtained while blood and spot urine were collected for random blood glucose, serum creatinine, urinalysis, and albumin-creatinine ratio. Results: A total of 572 rural dwellers were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 49.9 ± 17.5 years while 39.3% were male and 88.9% engaged in active farming. The prevalence of traditional risk factors for kidney disease was hypertension (24.3%), Diabetes mellitus (2.8%), cigarette smoking (7.5%), alcohol intake (20.8%) and herbal consumption (57.1%). The use of pesticides/herbicides was reported in 69.9%, while 25.3% did not use protective gear during its use. Proteinuria, hematuria, and reduced eGFR were observed in 29.8%, 6.1%, and 33.9% of participants, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of herbicides and pesticide use and traditional risk factors for kidney disease, in addition to the high prevalence of markers of kidney damage among the dwellers of rural farming settlements in South-West Nigeria.