Pesticides Use and Personal Protective Behaviour, Adverse Health Effects among Chilli Farm Sprayers: A Case Study in Suan Kluai Sub-District, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

Abstract

The aims of this survey study were 1) to describe pesticides use and protective behavior, adverse health effects, and 2) to determine the factors that associated with pesticides use and personal protective behavior, pesticide poisoning among chilli farm sprayers in Suan kluai Sub- District, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province. A total of 165 chilli farm sprayers were interviewed. The results showed that 49.7 % of spray farmers had safety pesticides use and proper personal protective behavior at a moderate level, 48.5 % reported acute signs and symptoms after pesticides exposure, 37.7 % had blood cholinesterase levels at risk and unsafe. Factors including age, experience with pesticides spraying on other crops, information and training on pesticides use safely, and pesticides knowledge levels were significantly associated with pesticides use and personal protective behavior (p-value < 0.05). Experience in chilli cultivation, experience with pesticides spraying on other crops, pesticides use safely and proper personal protective behavior were significantly associated with pesticide poisoning symptoms after pesticides used (p-value < 0.05). Therefore, pesticide safety training program and surveillance program for reducing health risk should be annually planned and executed operations.