ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Pesticide applicators are at risk of developing neurological symptoms and neurobehavioral deficits. This risk may increase if the applicator chews stimulant plants like khat. OBJECTIVE: To examine the sociodemographic and exposure determinants of neurological symptoms presentation, neurobehavioral performance, and cholinesterase activity among pesticide applicators in a vector control unit, Saudi Arabia. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 30 pesticide applicators and 32 non-applicators from a vector control unit in Jazan region, Saudi Arabia, were studied. The study participants completed an exposure and medical questionnaire, and a neurobehavioral test battery. Their blood samples were also tested for the measurement of butyryl cholinesterase (BChE). RESULTS: The mean blood BChE level was no significantly different between the applicators and non-applicators. Working in pesticide application and chewing khat were significant predictors of the neurological symptoms presentation and neurobehavioral deficits among the study participants. Each factor was associated with about 40% of the symptoms included in the questionnaire. Exposure to pyrethroids was significantly associated with a decrement in symbol digit test latency, tapping (TAP) non-preferred hand, and TAP alternating hands measures, representing the executive and motor speed/coordination functions. Khat chewing was associated with TAP preferred and non-preferred hands and serial digit learning measures, representing the memory and motor speed/coordination functions. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that being exposed to pyrethroids and chewing khat are associated with neurological and neurobehavioral drawbacks among pesticide applicators.
Subject(s)
Catha/poisoning , Nervous System Diseases/etiology , Occupational Exposure/adverse effects , Pesticides/poisoning , Adult , Animals , Butyrylcholinesterase/blood , Cross-Sectional Studies , Disease Vectors , Female , Humans , Male , Mastication , Nervous System Diseases/blood , Nervous System Diseases/chemically induced , Nervous System Diseases/enzymology , Pesticides/analysis , Saudi Arabia , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
El Khat o Catha Edulis Forsk, es un arbusto que se emplea por sus propiedades euforizantes y estimulantes del sistema nervioso central y por su capacidad para aliviar la fatiga, sin embargo, su consumo abusivo produce efectos adversos sobre las funciones cognitivas. En este artículo de revisión se resume el origen, la producción, farmacología, toxicología, neuropsicología y los aspectos psicosociales del consumo del khat en un intento por aportar el mayor conocimiento posible sobre este arbusto, sus propiedades y efectos. Además, se centra especial atención en los aspectos psicológicos y neuropsicológicos que produce, entre los que se incluyen alteraciones leves del estado de ánimo y profundos trastornos que pueden variar tanto en intensidad como en duración. Pese a que se ha podido constatar que determinadas situaciones sociales pueden aumentar el consumo de determinadas drogas de precios asequibles, las consecuencias que producen en la sociedad hacen que sea necesaria una concienciación mayor sobre todos los aspectos que rodean su consumo. Existe un mercado legal e ilegal, con una parte de la población del cuerno de África y de la península arábiga bajo los efectos del Khat, que conlleva unas consecuencias graves para la salud
Khat (Catha edulis) is a shrub used for its euphoric and central nervous system- stimulating properties and for its ability to relieve fatigue. Its abusive consumption nevertheless produces adverse effects on cognitive functions. In this paper we provide a summarized review of the origin, production, pharmacology, toxicology, neuropsychology and psychosocial aspects of khat consumption, in an attempt to provide the best possible knowledge about the bush, its properties and effects. We also focus special attention on the psychological and neuropsychological aspects involved, including minor or major alterations of mood disorders. Although it has been shown that certain social situations can increase the consumption of certain drugs at affordable prices, the impact on several societies requires a greater awareness of all the aspects involved in its consumption. There is a legal and illegal market, with part of the population in the horn of Africa and the Arabian peninsula under the influence of Khat, with serious consequences for the health
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Catha/cytology , Catha/poisoning , Pharmacology/methods , Toxicology/classification , Substance-Related Disorders/genetics , Substance-Related Disorders/psychology , Psychology/education , Psychology/methods , Catha , Catha/toxicity , Pharmacology/classification , Toxicology/methods , Substance-Related Disorders/rehabilitation , Substance-Related Disorders/therapy , Psychology , Psychology/standards , Africa/ethnologyABSTRACT
Drug abuse affects a significant number of individuals of all ages. Health care practitioners must be knowledgeable about both the physiological effects of such drugs and the impact of drug-seeking behavior on their patients.
