Prevalence of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Conditions Among Rice Farmers in Ebonyi State: Implications of Pesticide Exposure and Lifestyle Factors

Abstract

Background: Pesticide exposure among smallholder farmers in Nigeria is a growing public health concern, especially in regions with intensive herbicide use and limited safety education. Objectives: This study assessed the prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic health conditions among rice farmers in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted between March and April 2025 among 87 adults, including 48 rice farmers and 39 non-farming controls, in Ebonyi State. Participants aged 18 - 55 years were recruited using purposive sampling and frequency matching by age and sex. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires on health conditions, pesticide application practices, and lifestyle behaviors, including smoking and alcohol use. Inclusion required at least 2 years of pesticide application experience for farmers. Independent t tests and chi-square tests were used to compare groups, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Rice farmers reported a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (88%), heart disease (85%), diabetes (62%), and stroke (71%) than controls (P < 0.05). Most farmers (99%) had received no formal safety training, and 89% relied solely on herbicides, primarily oxadiazon (41.7%), pendimethalin (30.2%), and butachlor (28.1%), all of which are associated with toxicological risks. Smoking was more prevalent among farmers (65%) than controls (43%). Conclusions: Rice farmers in Ebonyi State had a markedly higher burden of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders associated with pesticide exposure and unsafe practices. Interventions should prioritize formal pesticide safety training, integrated pest management, and routine health screening. Although the cross-sectional design limits causal inference, the findings are likely generalizable to similar smallholder farming populations across sub-Saharan Africa.