The investigator and a laboratory assistant visited each farmer to retrieve data by means of a
questionnaire asked through face to face interview, observational checklist, height and weight
measurement and blood test carried out on the same day. Information on demography,
smoking habit, alcohol intake, type of pesticides used, use of PPE, hygienic practices and
self-perceived symptoms were obtained from a questionnaire interview and an observational
checklist which were developed by modifying the tools used to conduct a similar study in
Bolivia . For PPE, we asked availability and use of long-sleeve shirt, cap, mask, gloves,