•  
  •  
 

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the impact of an educational program in terms of the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of organophosphorus (OP) pesticides among women in rural areas. Background OP pesticides are used widely in developing countries despite their known toxicity. Unsafe use of pesticides is common in developing countries. In Egypt, many pesticides are used to control pests in agriculture. Patients and methods A quasi interventional study was carried out that included 40 pregnant women exposed to OP pesticides. The study was carried out during the period from the 1 July 2012 to the end of June 2013. Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OP pesticide exposure were assessed using a predesigned questionnaire. A postintervention evaluation was carried out after 6 months. Results The mean ΁ SD age of the participants was 26.3 ΁ 3.93 years. The majority of knowledge parameters including source of knowledge, route of entry, symptoms of long-term OP pesticide exposure or toxicity, and parameters related to all attitudes improved significantly after the implementation of a health education program (P < 0.05). The majority of practice parameters, including the use of OP pesticides in the home or field, following the instructions written on the pesticide bottle«SQ»s label, and checking the expiry date, improved significantly after the implementation of a health education program (P < 0.05). Conclusion The level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices of OP pesticides were low. The educational sessions improved the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices among the participants.

Download

Share

COinS