Pesticide handlers’ knowledge : attitude and practice

Abstract EN

Background : Pesticide handlers’ knowledge, attitude and practice towards health hazard of pesticides might reduce exposure to these hazardous materials.

Objective : To assess pesticide handlers’ knowledge, attitude and practice during pesticides handling.

Design : Cross sectional study.

Setting : Occupational Health clinic, Bahrain.

Method : Periodic medical examination questionnaire was administered to all pesticide handlers working in the environmental section of the Public Health Directorate from October to December 2009.

Result: One hundred sixty-five pesticide handlers completed the questionnaire.

One hundred fifty-six (94.5 %) reported using personal protective equipments (PPE).

Ninety-five (60.9 %) were not satisfied with PPE and ninety-eight (62.8 %) were advised/instructed to the use of PPE.

A considerable number of handlers were engaged in eating and drinking during work with pesticides.

One hundred fifty-nine (96.4 %) did not take shower after pesticide use and 158 (95.8 %) did not change their clothes before and after pesticide exposures.

Conclusion: The study revealed that pesticide handlers are unaware of the pesticide exposure level.

Instructions on pesticide packets are not read.

The use of personal protective equipments is low.

Negative attitude towards personal hygiene and sanitation was observed.

The study revealed the need for pesticide safety education and training, which seems to be a universal problem in pesticide handling.