Knowledge of health risks, safety practices, acute pesticide poisoning, and associated factors among farmers in rural irrigation areas of northeastern Ethiopia
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Many farmers in Ethiopia have poor knowledge of pesticide health risks and safety practices, leading to significant rates of acute pesticide poisoning. Lack of education and training are key contributing factors to these issues.
Area Of Science
- Agricultural Health
- Public Health
- Environmental Health
Background
- Pesticide exposure poses significant risks to farmer health, economic stability, and agricultural productivity.
- This study addresses the critical public health issue of pesticide exposure among farmers in Ethiopia.
Purpose Of The Study
- To investigate the prevalence and determinants of farmers' knowledge regarding pesticide health risks.
- To assess the level of safety practices employed by farmers when handling pesticides.
- To determine the incidence and associated factors of acute pesticide poisoning in the study area.
Main Methods
- A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in irrigation areas of South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia.
- A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants for face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire.
- Statistical analysis included crude and adjusted odds ratios to identify significant factors (p<0.05).
Main Results
- Over half of the farmers (55.2%) had below-average knowledge of health risks, and 63.7% reported below-average safety practices.
- Nearly half of the farmers (47.9%) experienced acute pesticide poisoning.
- Key determinants included lack of formal education, no pesticide training, older age, poor retailer engagement, and negative attitudes.
Conclusions
- Farmers' knowledge of pesticide risks and safety practices is inadequate in the South Wollo Zone.
- Low educational status, insufficient training, and limited government involvement are linked to poor knowledge and increased poisoning risk.
- Interventions should focus on enhancing farmer education and safety practices to mitigate pesticide-related health issues.
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