Untitled

Abstract

Background: Widespread use of pesticides in agricultural farms foster increasing concerns regarding its negative effects on farmers health as well as in the public. Pesticide exposure remains one of the great challenges among farmers of developing countries including Nepal. The objective of this study was to access health risk behavior and use of safety precaution among agricultural farmers of Duhabi-Bhaluwa region, Sunsari, Nepal. Methods: Cross sectional study was carried out in Duhabi-Bhaluwa region of Sunsari district, Nepal from September 2015 to February 2016. Three hundred farmers were enrolled in the study using non probability sampling technique. Data was collected by face to face interview with farmers using pre-tested semi structured questionnaire from 15 th September 2015 to 15 th December 2015 Results: Study reveals that 93.3 percent farmers usually lock pesticide container and stored the pesticide, disposal of pesticides throwing in open place of household premises, irrigation canal and farms were 38%, 21% and 9.3 percent respectively. Ninety percent farmers usually follow instruction on pesticide label, more than half (50.3%) of the farmers were not using any kinds of personal protective equipments while spraying pesticide. Study reveals that 6 percent of the farmers enter the field before 24 hours of pesticide application Conclusions: Study found health risk behaviour among agricultural farmers. Thus, recommends for behaviour change program on safety precaution that should be taken while spraying pesticides which could be beneficial for the promotion of farmer's health.