Knowledge, attitude and preventive behavior to chemicals exposure in farmer's rice fields, Nongkeaw Subdistrict, Mueang District, Sisaket Province

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to study the knowledge, attitudes, and preventive behaviors of chemicals exposure in rice fields of 78 farmers in Nong Kaew Sub-district, Muang District, Sisaket Province. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, median, minimum, maximum, and standard deviation. The results showed that most of the farmers were female, 57.69%, aged 50-59, 73.08%, the highest level of education, 66.67%, primary school level, marital status 78.21%, had no underlying disease, 82.05%. The farmers have chemical spraying experience for ≤2 years 60.26%, frequency of exposure to pesticides 3-4 days per week 55.13%, and use of plant disease prevention chemicals 85.90%. Most farmers have a high level of knowledge of how to protect themselves from exposure to pesticides 84.59%. There was a high level of self-defense attitude from exposure to pesticides in rice fields at 100.00% and showed self-defense behavior from exposure to chemicals in rice fields was at a high level of 96.15%. However, some farmers who are knowledgeable but are not aware or ignore the potential effects that may arise from the improper use of pesticides. Therefore, the relevant departments should provide training, education, and monitoring and evaluation together with periodic knowledge reviews in order to ensure that farmers continue to perform correctly and safely.