摘要：Background: A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the association between occupational stress risk factors and salivary alpha-amylase activity levels among fresh fruit bunch (ffb) cutters at oil palm plantation. Methods: A total of 109 ffb cutters were selected from two oil palm plantations in Pulau Carey, Selangor at west coast of Malaysia in 2015. Questionnaires were used to determine socio-demographics and occupation information, distress level were determined by using translated 12-items-General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Kestrel Heat Stress Tracker 4400 was used to measure wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for heat stress exposure. Posture analysis was exam-ined based on Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method in evaluating working posture and Borg CR-10 scale was rated by ffb cutters to determine exerted force during harvesting process. Stress response system was determined by measuring salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity by using sAA kinetic enzyme assay kit (Salimetrics). Results: 35.8% of ffb cutter had high score indicating psychological distress.49.5% of the cutters had high heat stress exposure.91.8% used force exertion of 50%MVC and above to cut fresh fruit bunches and 62.4% were classified in Action Level 4 under RULA.77.0% of the ffb cutters showed high levels of sAA activity after cutting fresh fruit bunches. Conclusion: Workplace stressors such as working environment and ergonomics risk factors play a role to develop stress at workplace among ffb cutters. Therefore, stress preventive measures are needed to reduce the stressors at workplace.
