Suicidal Ideation and Pesticide Exposure in Rural Communities of Central India

Background This study aims to evaluate association between suicidal ideation and pesticide exposure in rural communities of Wardha district of Central rural India compared with villagers who are not exposed to it. Method It was a crosssectional study done in rural community of Wardha district in Central India. About 100 farmers who were exposed to pesticides and 100 controls who were not exposed to pesticides were included. A Semistructured proforma to record sociodemographic variables and Indian version of the Self Reporting Questionnaire-20 was used. Results Of these 200 subjects, data were available for 85 farmers in study group and 74 in control group. In the farmers group, 31% of farmers had suicidal ideas, while 8% of controls felt like ending their life. Conclusion Measures must be taken to store pesticides at a safer place thus reducing long-term exposure. Organic farming is a better choice to avoid suicidal ideas.

Automated summary

The study confirms the association between long-term pesticide exposure among rural farmers and suicidal ideation, suggesting measures to store pesticides in a safer place and recommending organic farming as a better choice to avoid suicidal thoughts.