Factors Affecting to Chemical Use Behavior of Tamarind Farmers in Na Khum Subdistrict, Ban Khok District, Uttaradit Province

Abstract

This cross-sectional research aimed to study the factors affecting  chemical use behavior tamarind farmers. Population was 393 tamarind farmers in Na Khum Subdistrict, Ban Khok District, Uttaradit Province, in 2025. The sample size was calculated using Daniel's formula for 200 participants, employing systematic sampling. Data was collected by questionnaire including; characteristic, health literacy and chemical use behavior. The questionnaire underwent content validity testing by three experts and was pilot-tested for reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, yielding a value of 0.935. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Stepwise multiple regression analysis. The results showed that Factors Affecting Chemical Use Behaviors among Tamarind Farmers in Na Khum Subdistrict, Ban Khok District, Uttaradit Province, included Communication skills (r=0.282, P-value<0.001), Decision skill (r=0.324, P-value< 0.001), and Media literacy skill. (r=0.334, P-value=0.010) respectively, can predict 16.7 percent (R²=0.167). The results from correlation analysis can be used to develop health promotion programs or applied to teaching materials to modify behavior, and the predictive results can be used as a guideline for developing a monitoring system or used to develop health promotion programs to modify behavior, and the predictive results can be used as a guideline for developing a monitoring system or farmer network to monitor their exposure to pesticides.