KNOWLEDGE, BEHAVIOR, AND CHOLINESTERASE LEVEL AMONG PESTICIDE SPRAYERS IN FARMERS, MAE SAI DISTRICT, CHIANG RAI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of knowledge, behavior and levels of cholinesterase among pesticide sprayers in farmers, Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai Province. Study population was 400 pesticide sprayers age > 25 years old, have a task to spray pesticides in the farm more than 2 years, and willing to participate. The research instruments consisted of 1) special test paper strips. For the detection of cholinesterase 2) personal data questionnaires 3) knowledge of behavior before, while and after spraying of pesticides 4) signs and symptoms from exposure to pesticides. The questionnaires in sections 3 and 4 were created by the researcher. And passed the quality inspection from 3 experts. Get the conformance index (IOC) of 0.86, 0.82 and choose the question with an IOC of more than 0.5 to be used as a question, the confidence level of the questionnaire is 0.96, 0.84. Data was collected between 5 – 20 February 2020. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's product moment correlation coefficient.

          The results found that behavior before and while spraying were correlated with cholinesterase level 0.01. However, knowledge and behavior after spraying did not correlate with the level of cholinesterase. Not found the signs from pesticide exposure were correlated with cholinesterase. Results of the study will be used to deploy process of knowledge and behavior change. And network group to grow a non pesticide might be create on the next time.