Knowledge attitudes and behaviors regarding fruit and vegetable consumption and blood cholinesterase levels among reproductive women in Samran Subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen District, Khon Kaen.

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive research aims to determine the relationship between knowledge attitudes and behaviors regarding fruit and vegetable consump- tion and blood cholinesterase levels of reproductive women. Reproductive women are susceptible and could be exposed to pesticides through daily consumption. Ex- posure to pesticides could affect nervous, reproductive and cardiovascular system. The samples were 44 reproductive women. The research tools included question- naires regarding knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as cholinesterase reactive paper. Data were then analyzed for percentage, average and standard deviation. The correlation was also analyzed using Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. The average age of the samples was 27.18 years (S.D.=3.75). 25.0% of them graduated with a diploma level as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most of their occupations were private employees/employees (34.1%). 97.7% of the samples had no medical pre-existing conditions. 68.2% of the samples had a high level of knowl- edge, followed by 31.8% with a moderate level. Most of the samples (81.8%) had the attitudes falling in a high level, followed by a moderate level (18.2%). 68.2% of the samples had a high level of behaviors, followed by a moderate level (29.5%). It was also found that knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding fruit and vegetable consumption had a trend of relationship with blood cholinesterase levels. This results could be used for preventive planning againt pesticide exposure among the pregnant women.