Farmers Knowledge, Practices and Perceived Health Symptoms Associated with Pesticides used in Thimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Background: All over the world, the use of pesticides is considered the most attractive method of controlling pests which involves less labor and characterizes higher output per hectare of land. I aim to study to assess Farmers Knowledge and Practices of Pesticides used and self-reported health systems associated with pesticides used in Thimi, Bhaktapur. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among farmers of Thimi, Bhaktapur. 210 farmers were enrolled in the study. Data collection involved a self-prepared questionnaire to farmers and information was collected by face to face interviews. Socio demographics status, unsafe pesticide handling practices of pesticide storage, conditions of personal protective equipment (PPE) was assessed as per the questionnaires. Results: Out of 210 farmers, who participated in the study, 70% were male and 30% were female. Majority 87% of farmers couldn’t read and write. Knowledge regarding the personal protective equipment was known to 85% used mask, 8% used gloves. Thus, no farmers were found using boots and goggles. Practices of washing hand among farmers were found to be93%. Majority (92%) of the farmers neither smoked nor drank or ate anything during spray of pesticides. Conclusion: There is a low education level, lack of information about pesticide residue, and inadequate personal protection during pesticide use among farmers in Thimi Bhaktapur.

exposure or pesticide poisoning can result in death. An estimated 1 to 5 million pesticide poisoning incidents occur worldwide each year, mostly in developing countries (FAO, 2004). Health outcomes such as attention deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson's disease have also been linked to exposure to certain classes of pesticides [3].
IPM is the selection and use of pest control actions that will ensure favorable economic, ecological and social consequences and is applicable to most agricultural, public health and amenity pest management situations [3].

Cross sectional research conducted among farmers in
Thimi, Bhaktapur well known pocket area for vegetable production and distribution in Kathmandu valley. The study duration was August-December, 2014. Out of 17 wards, 3 wards were selected by non-probability purposive method on the basis of the highest frequency of the farmers and the respondents were by selected by convenient sampling method. Sample size was calculated by using formula (n) =4pq/d2 [Where p= prevalence, q= 100-p, d= error (10% relevant error), prevalence (p) =50% (assuming)] Hence, 210 sample size was obtained.
The farmers using pesticides for agricultural growth were only included. The data collection technique is face to face interview. A self-administrated questionnaire .The first section was designed to assess socio demographic status which contained questions regarding age, gender, education level, and years of experience as a farm worker and the Second section was designed to assess participants' pesticide knowledge. Participants were presented with four questions that could be answered by either 'yes', 'no', or 'I do not know'.
One point was given for each correct answer, one point was deducted for each wrong answer, and selecting 'I do not know' did not affect the grade. The range of the knowledge score was −4 to 41 and was categorized as: <2 = poor knowledge; and ≥2 = good knowledge.

RESULTS
The mean age ± SD of the respondents is 39.5 ± 7.9 years.
The majority (70%) of the participants were male. Results The odds of farmers not using mask/mouth cover is 0.86 times higher than that of the odds of farmers using mask/mouth cover. Above table shows that many 117(56%) farmers who do not use mask/mouth cover had headache. Besides, few 12(6%) farmers using mask/mouth cover also had headache. Hence, there is no significant association between use of mask/mouth cover and headache.

DISCUSSION
Only farmers using pesticides for agricultural growth was included. Non Probability Purposive sampling technique was used. Structured and semi structured questionnaire were used for collection of data through face to face interview technique.    The present study showed that the total sum of the knowledge scores was 1,073; the mean knowledge score

CONCLUSION
The most commonly used pesticide is metacid and 16% farmers could not name pesticides they were using. Most of farmers (29%) mentioned they were not using PPE due to carelessness such as staying in rush to the farm to carry PPE along with.
The total sum of the knowledge scores was 545; the mean knowledge score was 2.5 (SD: 3.