Occupational heat exposure, physical workload, and hydration status among floating net cage workers in Lake Toba
Abstract
Background: Floating net cage (Keramba Jaring Apung [KJA]) aquaculture workers in Lake Toba perform strenuous physical labor in open-water environments. This study investigated the primary determinants of post-shift hydration status among these workers.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 124 active workers across 12 KJA enterprises in Paropo I Village. We evaluated daily fluid intake, physical workload, workplace microclimate, and Body Mass Index. Bivariate analysis yielded crude odds ratios (OR). Candidate variables ( p < 0.25) entered a multivariable logistic regression model.
Results: Overall, 62.90% of workers experienced post-shift dehydration. Heavy physical workload significantly elevated dehydration risk (Adjusted OR = 5.69; 95% CI: 1.20–26.97; p = 0.03). Adequate fluid intake (≥ 2.50 L/day) strongly reduced risk (Adjusted OR = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.00–0.13; p < 0.01).
Conclusion: Heavy physical exertion and daily fluid deficits drive occupational dehydration in open-water aquaculture. To mitigate heat strain, implement platform-based drinking stations, scheduled hydration breaks, and visual self-monitoring tools.
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BibTeX
@article{salmah2026occupational,
title = {{Occupational heat exposure, physical workload, and hydration status among floating net cage workers in Lake Toba}},
author = {Umi Salmah and Sri Malem Indirawati and Nasrul Zaman and Nurmaini and Fitri Khairani and Izzah Dienillah Saragih and Annisa Rizka Lestari},
journal = {BMC Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1186/s12889-026-30249-4},
url = {https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-026-30249-4},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Occupational heat exposure, physical workload, and hydration status among floating net cage workers in Lake Toba
AU - Umi Salmah
AU - Sri Malem Indirawati
AU - Nasrul Zaman
AU - Nurmaini
AU - Fitri Khairani
AU - Izzah Dienillah Saragih
AU - Annisa Rizka Lestari
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/09
JO - BMC Public Health
DO - 10.1186/s12889-026-30249-4
UR - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12889-026-30249-4
AB - Background: Floating net cage (Keramba Jaring Apung [KJA]) aquaculture workers in Lake Toba perform strenuous physical labor in open-water environments. This study investigated the primary determinants of post-shift hydration status among these workers. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 124 active workers across 12 KJA enterprises in Paropo I Village. We evaluated daily fluid intake, physical workload, workplace microclimate, and Body Mass Index. Bivariate analysis yielded crude odds ratios (OR). Candidate variables ( p < 0.25) entered a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Overall, 62.90% of workers experienced post-shift dehydration. Heavy physical workload significantly elevated dehydration risk (Adjusted OR = 5.69; 95% CI: 1.20–26.97; p = 0.03). Adequate fluid intake (≥ 2.50 L/day) strongly reduced risk (Adjusted OR = 0.01; 95% CI: 0.00–0.13; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Heavy physical exertion and daily fluid deficits drive occupational dehydration in open-water aquaculture. To mitigate heat strain, implement platform-based drinking stations, scheduled hydration breaks, and visual self-monitoring tools.
SN - 1471-2458
ER -