ABSTRACT

Pesticides are a collection of chemical compounds and other ingredients including microorganisms
and viruses. Cholinesterase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the neurotransmitter acetylcholine into
choline and acetic acid. The lower the level of cholinesterase in the blood, the more likely it is that
the farmer will experience poisoning as a result of uncontrolled use of pesticides. Poisoning is
divided into mild, moderate and acute poisoning depending on the specific level. This study aims to
determine the levels of cholinesterase in the blood of farmers in Semano Hamlet, Samalantan
Village, West Kalimantan and to determine the effect of recent direct contact with pesticides on the
levels of cholinesterase in the blood of farmers. This research is descriptive with a cross sectional
analytical research design. Sampling was carried out using purposive sampling technique.
Cholinesterase levels were measured using a semi auto chemistry analyzer (randox). Testing was
carried out using Microsoft Excel. Results: Results of analysis of cholinesterase enzyme levels in the
blood of farmers in Semano Hamlet, Samlantan Village, West Borneo Province found a 9
respondents minimum level of 9,608 U/L and a maximum level of 13,445 U/L. The average
cholinesterase enzyme level for each respondent was found to be 10,345 U/L. Meanwhile, lastly,
direct contact with pesticides did not affect cholinesterase levels in farmers' blood. This can be seen
from the cholinesterase enzyme levels in all respondents which were in the normal range. Based on
the results of research describing cholinesterase levels in the blood of farmers in Semano Hamlet,
Samalantan Village, West Kalimantan, it was found that the average cholinesterase enzyme level
was 10,345 U/L. The normal value is 4,620 – 11,500 U/L. The decrease in cholinesterase levels was
not influenced by the last direct contact with pesticides and the use of personal protective equipment
(PPE).

Key words : pesticide, cholinesterase enzyme, farmer, semano hamlet