Knowledge of Farmers Regarding the Occupational Hazards due to Pesticide Use: A Cross Sectional Study in Rural Village

Abstract

Introduction: Unsafe handling practices and limited awareness about the health risks are associated with pesticide exposure which makes farmer’s vulnerable to a range of occupational hazards, including acute poisoning, respiratory problems, neurological symptoms and long-term carcinogenic effects. Understanding farmer’s knowledge levels on occupational hazards is essential for planning effective health education interventions, formulating safer agricultural policies, and reducing long-term health risks.

Aims: To assess farmer’s knowledge regarding occupational hazards associated with pesticide use.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 377 respondents in Rural Municipality Baijanath ward number two Digiya located in Banke District of Nepal through simple random sampling selecting every 5th house as majority of people of that area are involved in farming.

Results: The majority of respondents 171(45.40%) were in age group 41-55 years, 198(52.50%) were female, 168(44.60%) were illiterate. Majority 151(40.10%) were unaware that pesticides could enter the human body during spraying. The most common routes by which pesticides enter in the body were inhalation 163(43.20%), ingestion through mouth 144(38.20%) and 70(18.60%) skin contact. Although 126(33.40%) of them reported pesticide exposure causes immediate (acute) health effects and chronic disease 95(25.20%) majority 135(35.80%) were unaware about acute effect and 116(30.60%) disagreed. Similarly, 205(54.40%) were unaware and 77(20.40%) disagreed it cause chronic disease. Likewise, they agreed pesticides can contaminate surface and groundwater as 167(44.30%) agreed, 135(35.80%) were unaware and 75(19.90%) disagreed.

Conclusion: The overall knowledge level can be categorized as poor because a majority of respondents lacked awareness of exposure routes, chronic effects and correct pesticide use. Attitude was also good as some respondents recognized risks but not consistently. Practices were generally poor particularly regarding personal protective equipment usage and safe handling behaviors.