JOEM: Longitudinal Renal Function Degradation Among Florida Agricultural Workers (September 2024)-Longitudinal Renal Function Degradation Among Florida Agricultural Workers

Longitudinal Renal Function Degradation Among Florida Agricultural Workers

Pdf Summary

The study "Longitudinal Renal Function Degradation Among Florida Agricultural Workers" by Roxana C. Chicas et al. explores the renal health of agricultural workers in Florida from January 2020 to August 2022. Data were collected pre- and post-workday across five visits, focusing on two groups: piece-rate compensated fernery workers and hourly compensated nursery workers.<br /><br />**Key Findings:**<br />1. **Seasonal Trends:** Preworkday estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was lower in summers but relatively stable over time. Postworkday eGFR and AKI incidence differed significantly between the two groups.<br /><br />2. **Fernery Workers:** These workers exhibited a high incidence of postworkday AKI, starting at 21% in 2020 and rising to 43% by 2022. Their compensation by piece-rate likely incentivized them to skip rest breaks and hydration, leading to increased physical exertion and higher AKI rates.<br /><br />3. **Nursery Workers:** The AKI incidence among nursery workers was stable at about 10-11% over the study period.<br /><br />4. **Hydration and Work Conditions:** Fernery workers consumed more sugary beverages and were often more dehydrated than nursery workers, evidenced by higher urine specific gravity measurements. The piece-rate system contributed to fewer breaks and higher physical activity among fernery workers.<br /><br />5. **Heat and Work Environment:** Both groups worked in environments with similar heat indices, but fernery workers’ higher physical exertion increased their risk of heat stress and renal dysfunction.<br /><br />**Health Characteristics:**<br />- Body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure were generally higher among fernery workers.<br />- Both groups exhibited seasonal fluctuations in A1C levels.<br /><br />**Work Environment:**<br />- Fernery workers had shorter work hours but higher physical activity and greater bending than nursery workers.<br />- The piece-rate payment system in ferns contributed to fewer breaks and higher physical activity demands.<br /><br />**Conclusion:**<br />The study indicates a pressing need for interventions tailored to reduce renal health risks among agricultural workers, particularly those paid by piece-rate. Recommendations include better hydration practices and re-evaluation of the piece-rate compensation system to ensure workers can take necessary breaks without financial loss. Further research is needed to develop effective strategies to prevent kidney dysfunction in this vulnerable population.

Keywords

renal health

agricultural workers

Florida

eGFR

AKI incidence

fernery workers

nursery workers

hydration

piece-rate compensation

heat stress