Safety educations of pesticide use among chilli farmers in Ban Na Yia, Rai Noi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province

Abstract

This research used a quasi-experimental design by pretest-posttest one group design. The objectives of this research were to compare attitudes before and after receiving the safety education of safe use of pesticides and to study safe behavior in using pesticides among chili farmers in Ban Na Yia, Rai Noi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. The sample of this study consisted of 50 chili farmers in Ban Na Yia community. Data were collected between August 2018 to May 2019. They were educated by training, group discussion, and distributed leaflets. The questionnaire was used as a tool to collect data on knowledge, attitude, and behavior in using pesticides among farmers. Data were analyzed using a statistical program to determine the frequency, percentage, median, P₂₅, P₇₅, and quartile range. Attitude scores were compared using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test. The results of this study indicated that after educating, the sample’s attitude scores were higher than before with a statistical significance (p-value <0.001). Before educating, the sample had a median score of attitude towards safe use of pesticide before educating was 37.00 (IQR = 5.50) and a median score after educating was 44.00 (IQR = 4.25). By studying safe behavior of using pesticides among farmers, overall behavior was at a good level (74%). When individual aspects of safe behavior of using pesticides were considered, an aspect with the highest score was wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers while spraying (94%). Besides, 54% of them reported behavior of burning of pesticide containers. In sum, the educational model in this research can be applied to farmers in other areas based on community cooperation, stimulation and promotion for farmers to change their attitude, leading to behavior modification and practices in a correct and safe manner.