Women&#039;s Health in Selected Banana Plantations in Davao City: A Comparative Analysis

Emma  V. Sagarino,; Mary Ann  V. Fuertes,; Ruperto Hector  A. Lindo,; Victoria  T. Lupase,; Jean Suzanne  A. Lindo,; Ivy  B. Nolasco,; Jessibel  A. Sanchez,; Raulyn  C. Fuentes,; Dynah  T. Petilona,

Women's Health in Selected Banana Plantations in Davao City: A Comparative Analysis

Discipline: Health

Abstract:

In 2007 during the conception of this project, there were intense debates in Davao City on whether or not to ban aerial spraying of pesticides in banana plantations. The city councilors were pressuring the advocates for banning aerial spraying to present studies that would prove its adverse effects to human and environment. Thus, this study attempted to look into the health conditions of women of reproductive age who live in proximity to banana plantations. Furthermore, it intended to establish the significant difference of the general conditions of women who live in an aerially-sprayed community and those who do not. The investigation utilized a descriptive comparative research design involving a combination of data collection methods. Three hundred purposively chosen women were interviewed and asked to go through physical examination and laboratory tests. One hundred participants came from each of the selected sites—Baganihan, Tawan-tawan and Mandug. It was found that a significant association between the type of barangay and the incidence of allergies, tuberculosis, and autoimmune disease among the respondents did exist. Higher number of these cases was evident in Mandug where aerial spraying is practiced. There is a significant association between the type of barangay and the reported cases of kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, and thyroid disease. Diabetes mellitus was reported at a higher rate in Mandug. Kidney diseases, however, were higher in Tawan-tawan. The findings suggested that there was insufficient evidence to establish that there is no significant difference in the laboratory profile of the women in three barangays. This might have been due to some blood samples damaged while in transit from the study site.