Effectiveness of a program based on health belief model to reduce pesticide exposure among rice farmers in Kong Krailat District, Sukhothai Province

Abstract

This quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effectiveness of pesticide exposure prevention program based on the health belief model in reducing chemical exposure among rice farmers. The sample group consisted of 60 farmers who primarily produce rice in Kong Krailat District, Sukhothai Province. The samples were divided into two groups, 30 into the experimental group and 30 into the control group, using a sample group purposive selection method. The experimental group was assigned to participate in pesticide exposure prevention program. Health belief programs include activities to generate perceived susceptibility, perceived severity, perceived benefits, and perceived barriers, while reinforcing the awareness and encouraging good practices through the public address system and home visit. Data were collected using a questionnaire on perception and behavior of pesticide exposure prevention based on the health belief model among farmers. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, independent t-test, and paired t-test. Prior to program implementation, there was no difference in the perception of health belief and pesticide exposure prevention behaviors between the experimental group and the comparison group. Following participation in the program, the experimental group was found to have achieved statistically significantly higher mean scores with respect to the perception of health belief and pesticide exposure prevention behaviors (p<0.01). When comparing the mean scores between the experimental group and the comparison group, the former had mean scores relating to the perception of health belief and pesticide exposure prevention behaviors that are statistically significantly higher than those of the comparison group (p<0.01). The results of this study indicate that the health belief program on pesticide exposure prevention behaviors among the farmers is effective.