Factors contributing the preventive behavior of using chemical pesticides among cabbage farmers in Kalaw township, Myanmar

Abstract

The chemical pesticides effect on physical and mental health as well as produces environmental effects. Preventive behaviors of using chemical pesticides are necessary to protect the unwanted exposure of the pesticides to the farmers. This study aims to examine the factors contributing preventive behaviors of using chemical pesticides among cabbage farmers in Kalaw township, Southern Shan State, Myanmar applying PRECEDE-PROCEDE model as a framework. A cross-sectional design was used to collect 195 samples of cabbage farmers and the data were collected by using the self-administered structured questionnaires. The descriptive statistics and Chisquare test were used to analyse the factors contributing the preventive behaviors of using chemical pesticides. The results revealed that 72.8% of the respondents had a level of 'need to be improved' preventive behaviors of using chemical pesticides. Factors associated with preventive behaviors of using chemical pesticides were educational status (p=0.011), job characteristics (p=0.012), knowledge about pesticides (p=0.002), support from friends (p<0.001), support from co-workers (p<0.001), availability (p<0.001), affordability (p<0.001), and convenience (p=0.003). The findings suggested that the program of preventive behaviors based upon the associated factors should be developed. The NGOs focusing farmers' health and development should also promote the peer support from friends and co-workers for the sustainable improvement of the preventive behaviors. The community leaders should be involved in the improvement of the availability and affordability of PPE. Encouraging the shops to sell all kinds of PPE with affordable price might help in improving the availability and affordability of PPE. IMPLICATION OF THE THESIS This study will be a guideline for the public health professionals in development and implementation of the programs which focus on the health of the farmers regarding the occupational exposure to the chemical pesticides. Further interventional study might be conducted to find the effectiveness of the developed program.