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Table 3 Observed variables and change in Hb level in the organophosphate spray session (OP) and in the placebo spray session (PL)
| Variable | OP (n = 42) | PL (n = 42) |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature (°C), mean (SD) | 29.1 (3.3) | 28.9 (3.5) |
| Area of land sprayed (Katha), median (IQR) | 5.0 (4.0–6.6) | 5.0 (3.9–6.0) |
| Leaking sprayer, n (%) | 9 (21.4) | 12 (28.6) |
| Clothing worn during spraying, n (%) | ||
| Long-sleeved shirt | 18 (42.9) | 17 (40.5) |
| Long pants | 20 (47.6) | 20 (47.6) |
| Hat | 21 (50.0) | 23 (54.8) |
| Cloth mask | 8 (19.0) | 12 (28.6) |
| Work practices during and after spraying, n (%) | ||
| Splash/spill on e.g. hands/feet | 25 (59.5) | 24 (57.1) |
| Spray against the wind | 27 (64.3) | 25 (59.5) |
| Walk in just sprayed crop | 42 (100) | 41 (97.6) |
| Keep nozzle close to the body | 40 (95.2) | 40 (95.2) |
| Nozzle direction in front of farmer | 42 (100) | 42 (100) |
| Adjust/repair equipment with bare hands | 17 (40.5) | 17 (40.5) |
| Eat/drink/smoke without prior hand wash | 13 (31.0) | 10 (23.8) |
| Suck/blow nozzle with mouth | 5 (11.9) | 2 (4.8) |
| Do not wash hands immediately after spraying | 4 (9.5) | 5 (11.9) |
| Do not bath/change clothes soon after spraying | 14 (33.3) | 14 (33.3) |
| Change in Hb level (g/dL) from baseline to follow up, mean (SD) | −0.13 (0.54) | 0.06 (0.65) |
