FARM WORKERS KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICE REGARDING HAZARDS OF PESTICIDES

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Community Health Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Mansoura University

Abstract

Background: Pesticides are major contaminant of our environment that is associated with higher risk of acute and chronic health effects. Pesticides are the most economical approach to control various pests. Farm workers are exposed to pesticides during handling. Most of farm workers have insufficient level of knowledge regarding pesticide use. They are seriously unaware of real pesticide risks. Identification of their knowledge, and practice would provide guidance for actions that increase their adherence to safe handling of pesticides. Aim of the study: To investigate the knowledge and practice of farm workers about pesticides hazards, and proper protection. Methods: Cross sectional design was used in this study. The study was conducted at 8 villages of Mansoura district at Dakahlia governorate. The sample size was 127 farm workers. Three structured interview sheets were used in data collection. Results: (58.2%) of the study group aged from 30 years to less than 50 years, and more than half of them were illiterate. Most of farm workers showed poor score level of knowledge related to pesticide effects; and preventive measures, as well as safe pesticides handling. Conclusion: In conclusion, the majority of farm workers are at serious risk due to heavy and unprotected exposure to pesticides. Their poor level of knowledge regarding pesticide hazards, exposure routes, and effects on human would play a crucial role in their unsafe handling of pesticides.

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Mansoura Nursing Journal
Volume 2, Issue 1
January 2015
Pages 115-125

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