| Summary: | Objectives: To identify the frequency and mode of pesticide application, its adverse health effects, and to assess farmers’ knowledge and practice of precautionary measures.
Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Matli, Badin in the Sindh province of Pakistan from February to April 2020, and comprised farmers. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 22.
Results: Of the 332 farmers, 329(99.1%) were males. The overall mean age was 31.18±12.79 years (range: 21-30 years). Also, 269(81%) of them had not attended formal schooling, and the mean duration of farming practice was 1.64±0.859 years.` Further, 136(41%) participants did not follow the recommended frequency of pesticide application, accidental ingestion was reported by 208(62.7%) participants, and inhalation by 203(61.1%). Dumping of pesticide containers in open fields was a common practice for 247(74.4%) subjects, and 223(67.2%) showed interest in safety training sessions.
Conclusions: Farmers of Sindh were found to be seriously exposed to pesticide risk because of inadequate knowledge.
Key Words: Developing country, Farmers, Pakistan, Personal protective equipment, Pesticides.
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