Assessment of Children Working in Agriculture Sectors on Their Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Pesticide Hazards at Villages in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt

Abstract

The agricultural sector represents the highest percentage of child laborers in Egypt. Children of poor rural families work in farms to increase a household's income. Aim: To assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of children working in agriculture sector about pesticide hazards. Methodology: Descriptive design was used in this study. The study sample includes 97 preparatory school students performing agricultural work from different educational grade. Tools: Tool (1): Children working in agriculture' structured interview questionnaire. Tool (2): An observational checklist measures child wearing personal protective equipment's (PPEs). Results: All children have inadequate knowledge, negative attitude, poor practice, and poor first aid practice. More than half of children wear protective boots and gloves, but more than three-quarters does not wear glasses or goggles. Conclusion: There was no statistically significant correlation between total scores of knowledge, practice and attitude of the studied group. Recommendations: Organizing workshops and school activities such as drama plays, painting, and games about pesticides and their dangers with each agricultural cycle in schools located in rural areas can be effective.