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- Title
Determinants, Health-Related Morbidities, And Training Needs Among Farmers Using Pesticides In Southern Punjab, Pakistan: A CrossSectional Survey.
- Authors
Mubeen, Syed Muhammad; Khan, Asad Ali; Mansoori, Naveed; Khushk, Imdad Ali; Kanwal, Uzma
- Abstract
Objective: To assess the health of farmers exposed to pesticides and identify factors associated with the use of personal protective equipment. Methods: This cross-sectional survey was carried out using convenience sampling among 302 farmers in two districts of Punjab in 2021 through an interview-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire covered demographics, information on pesticide exposure, knowledge of PPE use, and self-reported health symptoms. All male pesticide sprayers, regardless of age or socioeconomic condition were included. Asthmatic farmers and non-pesticide applicators were excluded. Spraying by minors under the legal age for employment was also excluded from the study. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23. Frequency tabulation and association between variables were seen using the Chi-square test. P<0.05 is considered as statistically significant. All ethical issues were taken into consideration. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 29.85±10.68 years. Most farmers,168 (55.6%), sprayed pesticides for at least an hour every evening. Liquid pesticides were commonly used by 290 (96.0%) in quantities of up to 20 litres and applied by hand by 265 (88%). The most frequent symptoms were irritation of the eye, nose, and throat, reported by 202 (67%). The farmers used coveralls, 216 (71.5%); face masks, 176 (58.4%); eye goggles, 53 (17.4%); face shields, 26 (8.7%); and aprons, 9 (3.1%). Age, duration, amount of pesticide sprayed, and application method predicted health risks (p<0.05). Conclusion: The study revealed a notable lack of awareness among farmers regarding pesticide spray frequency, quantity, and PPE use. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, healthcare professionals and agricultural workers to provide professional training for enhancing the knowledge and practices of farmer's safety and health of pesticide exposure.
- Subjects
PUNJAB; PAKISTAN; PESTICIDES; TRAINING needs; CONVENIENCE sampling (Statistics); HEALTH of farmers; PERSONAL protective equipment
- Publication
Annals of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital & Karachi Medical & Dental College, 2024, Vol 29, Issue 2, p159
- ISSN
1563-3241
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.58397/ashkmdc.v29i2.895