Pesticide Application Behaviors of Tomato Farmers in Tao Ngoi District, Sakon Nakhon Province, 2021

Abstract

Purpose : To study knowledge and practice on the use of pesticides and cholinesterase levels in blood of tomato farmers.

Study design : Descriptive Research

Material and Methods : 244 of samples consisted farmers registered for tomato planting with the office of agriculture, Tao Gnoi District, who met the inclusion criteria. Data were collected by using a test with a confidence value (KR20) equal to .80, questionnaires with a confidence value of .80 and an analysis of serum cholinesterase levels. Cholinesterase reactive paper was used and the data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, Fisher's exact test and independent t-test. The statistical significance was at .05.

Main findings : Normal group blood cholinesterase levels had knowledge of pesticide was high, 104(42.62%), practice was moderate, 154(63.12%), knowledge of pesticide use score, and the pesticide practice score was not correlated with the blood cholinesterase level of the farmers. The group had blood cholinesterase levels, normal or safe, and risk or unsafe groups, had in knowledge and practice scores on pesticide use were not difference (p =.29, .66).

Conclusion and recommendations : The results of this research suggested that relevant agencies should raise awareness and develop the skill of spraying pesticides both in the early stages, during and after the operation, and continually monitor and screen for the enzyme cholinesterase in the blood.