Health risk assessment of salt farmers in Pangasinan
Paper Details
Health risk assessment of salt farmers in Pangasinan
Abstract
The agricultural industry in the Philippines accounts for 20% of the national income found in salt farming. Salt-making has been one of the major sources of livelihood here in the Pangasinan. Farming is also widely recognized as a risky occupation, due to a high predominance of occupational injuries. This study aimed to determine the Health Risk Assessment of the Salt farmers in Pangasinan, Philippines. It sought to unfold the health risk factors of salt farmers in terms of demographic profile, health history, physical assessment, and medical-laboratory findings. In this study, the researchers utilized a descriptive quantitative research design. In selecting the participants, the researchers utilized stratified random sampling. It covers 3 Municipalities in Pangasinan including Alaminos, Dasol, and San Fabian, Pangasinan. The researchers administered survey questionnaires, conducted interviews, and performed a physical assessment, extracted blood samples for medical laboratory testing from the respondents in the stated locality. Salient findings that majority of the respondents have experienced hypertension, arthritis, chronic back pain, dehydration, and physical injury. There is a very alarming and risk-taking identified medical condition of salt farmers and requires lifetime medication. Moreover, there is poor medication management that may contribute to the increased morbidity and mortality rate of a patient. It is highly recommended that the government should also give necessary support in terms of financial, socioeconomic, and political benefits since salt farmers have a vital contribution to the agricultural industry in the Philippines.
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