Investigating the effect of heat stress on physiological factors and reduction performance in rice farmers in Astara city

Mirzanejad, Farnaz; Moradi, Gholamreza; nazari, jalil; jafarzadeh kohneloo, aarefeh

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Mirzanejad F, Moradi G, nazari J, jafarzadeh kohneloo A. Investigating the effect of heat stress on physiological factors and reduction performance in rice farmers in Astara city. ioh 2025; 22 (1) : 23
URL: http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-3744-en.html

Investigating the effect of heat stress on physiological factors and reduction performance in rice farmers in Astara city

Farnaz Mirzanejad

, Gholamreza Moradi ^*

, Jalil Nazari

, Aarefeh Jafarzadeh kohneloo

Tabriz University of Medical Sciences , Moradig@tbzmed.ac.ir

Abstract: (52 Views)

Abstract

Investigating The Effect Of Heat Stress On Physiological Factors And
Reduction Performance In Rice Farmers In Astara City

Farnaz Mirzanjad¹, Gholamreza moradi^2*, Jalil Nazari³, Arefeh Jafarzadeh⁴

¹ MSc Student in Occupational Health Engineering, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, , Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Email: Mirzanejad75@gmail.com
ORCID: 0009-0007-9022-3302
²*[1], Assistant Professor, Faculty Member, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Email: moradig@tbzmed.ac.ir
ORCID: 0000-0002-4459-8468
³ Professor, Faculty Member, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, Faculty of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Email: nazari_j@yahoo.com
ORCID: 0000-0002-2052-6486
⁴ Assistant Professor, Faculty Member, Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Email: jafarzade_aaref@yahoo.com
ORCID: 0000-0002-2860-2420

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Heat stress is a common significant occupational hazards outdoors environments,especially for rice farmers during summer. This study aimed to investigate the impact of heat stress on physiological factors and productivity in rice farmers of Astara city.
METHODS:This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer on 107 rice farmers from 7 selected villages in Astara city. Demographic information was collected using an 18-item checklist. Heat stress was measured according to ISO 7243 standards using the WBGT index between 9 AM and 4 PM during the months of July and August. Physiological parameters were measured before and after the work shift in three time periods.The"work capacity" chart was used to predict heat-induced productivity decline in rice farmers.Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 at a significance level of 0.05.
RESULTS:The mean (± standard deviation) age, work experience, and body mass index were 40.51±9.3 years, 9.81±8.8 years, and 27.38±2.4 kg/m², respectively. The mean WBGT index was 25.85±4.46. Results showed that productivity had a significant inverse correlation with the WBGT index (P-value = 0.004), while no significant correlation was found with physiological parameters (P>0.05). Furthermore, the WBGT index at noon showed a significant correlation with physiological parameters (P<0.05).
CONCLUSION:Heat stress significantly affects physiological responses and reduces productivity in rice farmers, particularly during midday. Implementing measures such as limiting work during peak heat, increasing rest breaks, and ensuring hydration can help protect farmers' health and maintain productivity
KEYWORDS: Heat stress, physiological factors, productivity, rice farmers

^*Address:Iran, Tabriz, Golgasht St., Attar Nishaburi St., Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, School of Health,
Postal Code:5165665931-Phone: 04133357581, 04133357582-Fax:04133352294
-Website (Persian): http://healthfac.tbzmed.ac.ir

Article number: 23

Keywords: Heat stress, physiological factors, productivity, rice farmers