[Adverse reproductive outcomes among women working in Colombian floriculture: a summary of the evidence through metaanalysis].

INTRODUCTION

Workers in floriculture are exposed to pesticides and other risk factors. Work in these occupational environments is suspected to be associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. However, epidemiological studies in Colombia, a country that has a long tradition with this occupation, have not been consistent or conclusive.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the effect of womens work in Colombian floriculture in the occurrence of spontaneous abortion, prematurity, and birth defects, using the results of two previous studies.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

The results of two previous studies among Colombian floriculture worker populations were summarized with metaanalysis techniques. A critical evaluation of each of the studies identified potential biases and methodological limitations.

RESULTS

The pooled estimator of spontaneous abortion was 2.24 (95CI: 1.87-2.68); that of premature infant birth was 1.49 (95%CI: 0.91-2.43), and of birth defects 1.31 (95%CI: 1.95-1.64).

CONCLUSIONS

The analyses suggested that work in floriculture is associated with a higher occurrence of spontaneous abortion and birth defects. However, these effects are not necessarily associated with pesticide exposure. Other risk factors requiring further study are levels of physical activity and high temperature in greenhouses. Data from countries which have initiated occupations in floriculture more recently will add valuable evidence for this controversial association.