Knowledge, Attitude, Behavior, Cholinesterase Activity, and 3-Phenoxybenzoic Acid Levels among Spraying Workers, Employers, and Consumers in Phitsanulok Province

Abstract

The objectives of descriptive research were to compare the levels of blood acetylcholine esterase (RAChE) activity and urinary 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) between group of pesticide application workers (n=30), farmers who were identified as employers for pesticide applicators (n=30) and consumers (n=30). And the level of knowledge, attitude and behavior about pesticide exposure among pesticide applicators were investigated in Phistanulok province.

          The results from each questionnaires, the pesticide application workers showed the most of knowledge, attitude and behaviors at the high level for 75%, 80% and 62%, respectively. Moreover, this study found that pesticide application workers had lower RAChE activity than the employers and consumers, 16.67% was categorized in the health risk group (<3,379.20-5,004.27 U/L) which was higher than employers (6.67%) and consumers (0.00%). According to levels of urinary 3-PBA that were detected in pesticide application worker group, 13.33%, above at higher limit of quantitation (5.0 ng/ml) which was higher than employers (3.33%) and consumers (3.33%). The results of the questionnaire found that majority of the samples were male (51.1%) with primary education (66.7%) and had ever participated the safety practices training (53.3%). The television (25.0%) was the most frequency among the sources of knowledge that pesticide application workers received the information about safety practices but it was the one way communication. Therefore, the involved institutes should value consideration for content and focus on applying two-way communication with community participation to the real target group.  Finally, the proper practice training is essential to reduce the risk of chemical exposure among pesticide application workers.