Potato crop in Colombia represents one of the principal activities in the agricultural sector. Farmers exposure to pesticides may lead to the appearance of respiratory symptoms due to the inhalation of gasses. Objective: To determine factors that influence the prevalence of respiratory symptoms secondary to pesticide exposure in potato farmers in Ventaquemada, Boyacá, during 2018. Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed applying a standardized questionnaire to 107 potato farmers to identify the association between the presence of respiratory symptoms and pesticide exposure using logistic regression analysis. Results: 107 surveys were completed, 64.5% of them referred respiratory symptoms, the most prevalent symptoms were cough, dyspnea and rhonchus. Those who used pesticides had a prevalence of respiratory symptoms 2 times higher (RP 2,97 (95%CI=2,26-3,89, p=0,01) than those who did not. The logistic regression model showed that the following variables increase the risk of presenting respiratory symptoms: not wearing a hat or cap 1,67 times (95% CI=0,67-4,13 p=0,26), using 2 or more pesticides 2,39 times (95% CI=0,97-5,88, p=0,05) and residence location in rural area lowered 0.2 (IC95%: 0,03-1,22 p=0,08). Having less than 30 years of work experience as a farmer lowered 0.2 times risk of presenting respiratory symptoms (CI 95% 0.10-0.70, p=0.00), this last variable was the only one statistically significant. Conclusion: It was found that work experience less than 30 years is a protective factor against the probability of presenting respiratory symptoms in farmers. Although relationships between the variables of the model were no statistically significant, they can be considered as independent risk factors. The homogeneity of the sample limits the results, with the possible presence of false negatives in the study. The inadequate manipulation of pesticides (including the non-use of protective measures) by the majority of the subjects, in addition to doubled prevalence of respiratory symptoms compared to the general population, are notable results. This opens an opportunity to continue with more complex investigations in order to improve the working and health conditions of farmers.
