Agrochemicals and negative effects on obstetric outcomes in Uruguay between 2010 and 2017

Abstract

Through an ecological design, we aimed to spatially analyse the correlation between residence in rural areas near crops that use agrochemicals with birth weight and gestational age. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women that lived in rural areas of the west coast of Uruguay, during 2010–2017. Outcome variables were low birth weight for gestational age and prematurity. Exposure was characterised through satellite images of land use and land cover and in-depth interviews. The population was 5735 pregnant women. Correlation analysis was performed using a Spearman matrix. Positive and significant correlations were obtained for both obstetric outcomes with irrigated and non-irrigated crops < 4–5 hectares, in both periods analysed. This work contributes to the characterisation of agrochemical use impact in the Uruguayan rural environment, particularly for vulnerable groups’ health.