Factors Related to Self-Protection Behaviors against the Use of Pesticides among Durian Farmers in Surat Thani Province

Abstract

This descriptive research aimed to study the knowledge of pesticide use and the self-protection behaviors of durian farmers while using pesticides and to examine the relationship between personal factors, pesticide use, knowledge about pesticide use, and self-protection behaviors related to pesticide use among durian farmers. The study samples consisted of 150 people who were purposively selected from durian farmers in Surat Thani Province. Data collection was carried out using a questionnaire between February and August 2024. Data analyses were performed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and minimum-maximum values, as well as inferential statistics, including Chi-square and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Research findings revealed that the majority of the samples had a high level of knowledge about pesticide use (76.7%) and exhibited good self-protection behaviors against pesticide use (87.3%). Research results as to factors statistically (p-value<0.05) associated with self-protection behaviors included gender (p=0.04), education level (p-value<0.01), duration of pesticide use (p-value=0.40), and knowledge regarding pesticide use. (p<0.01). Factors of age, marital status, duration of durian farming, average income from durian farming, number of planting areas, chronic diseases, types of chemicals used, working conditions, and amount of chemicals used had no statistically significant relationship with self-protective behavior. These findings recommend to organize training sessions and communication efforts to raise awareness of the risks associated with pesticide use, and to promote correct and safe practices among durian farmers, as some still lack proper knowledge and understanding of safe pesticide use.