A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE HEALTH

PROBLEMS OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS RELATED TO

PROLONGED CONTACT WITH PESTICIDES IN SELECTED RURAL

AREAS AT BANGALORE IN VIEW TO PROVIDE HEALTH

EDUCATION

M.Sc Nursing Dissertation Protocol submitted to

Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, Karnataka, Bangalore.

By

MR. MARYDASAN.F

M.Sc NURSING 1ST YEAR

2010-2012

Under the Guidance of

HOD, Department of Community Health Nursing

Nightingale College of Nursing

Guruvanna Devara Mutt

Near Binnyston garden

Bangalore –23

RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCE,KARNATAKA

CURRICULAM DEVELOPMENT CELL

CONFORMATION FOR REGISTRATION OF SUBJECTS FORDISSERTATION

Registration number :Name of the candidate : Mr. Marydasan.f

Address : Guruvanna Devara Mutt, Near Binnyston Garden, Magadi Road, Bangalore-23

Name of the institution : Nightingale College of Nursing

Course of study and subject : M.Sc. Nursing in Community Health Nursing..Date of admission to course :

Title of the topic : A study to assess the knowledge about the health problems of agricultural workers related to prolonged contact with pesticides in selected rural area at Bangalore in view to provide health education

Brief resume of the intended work : Attached

Signature of the student :

Guide Name :.Remarks of the guide :

Signature of the guide :

Co-guide name :

Signature of co-guide :

HOD name :

Signature of HOD :

Principal Name : Mrs.Jayakadambari

Principal Mobile No : 09886367287

Principal E-mail ID : nightingale_principal@rediffmail.com

Remarks of the Principal :

Principal signature :

RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,KARNATAKA, BANGALORE.

ANNEXURE-II

PROFORMA FOR REGISTRATION OF SUBJECT FORDISSERTATION

1 NAME OF THE CANDIDATE AND ADDRESS

MR. MARYDASAN.FI YEAR M.Sc. NURSING,

NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE OF NURING

GURUVANNA DEVARA MUTT, NEAR BINNYSTON GARDEN,

MAGADI ROADBANGALORE-23

2 NAME OF THE INSTITUTION NIGHTINGALE COLLEGE OF NURING, GURUVANNA DEVARA

MUTT, NEAR BINNYSTON GARDEN, MAGADI ROAD,

BANGALORE-23

3 COURSE OF STUDY AND SUBJECT

M.SC NURSING IN COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSING

4 DATE OF ADMISSION TO THE COURSE 20/ 05/2010

5

TITLE OF THE TOPIC:

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE HEALTH

PROBLEMS OF AGRYCULTURAL WORKERS RELATED TO

PROLONGED CONTACT WITH PESTICIDES IN SELECTED RURAL

AREAS AT BANGALORE IN VIEW TO PROVIDE HEALTH

EDUCATION

BRIEF RESUME OF THE INTENDED WORK

6.1) INTRODUCTION

We've all heard the term pesticides before, but do we really know what

they are? Pesticides are chemicals that we use to kill undesirable organisms. When we

say undesirable organisms, we are referring to organisms (plants, animals, insects,

etc.) that are harmful to us. Some of these organisms, or "pests," eat our crops, while

others spread diseases. And it doesn't always have to be this serious. Weeds can be

considered a pest for just growing in the wrong places (our yards). The point is, if we

are using some type of chemical to control these pests, that chemical would be

considered a pesticide. DDT is one of the most famous pesticides in the world, and it

has been with us for quite a long time.1

A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances intended for

preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. A pesticide may be a

chemical substance, biological agent (such as a virus or bacterium), antimicrobial,

disinfectant or device used against any pest. Pests include insects, plant pathogens,

weeds, molluscs, birds, mammals, fish, nematodes (roundworms), and microbes that

destroy property, spread disease or are a vector for disease or cause a nuisance.

Although there are benefits to the use of pesticides, there are also drawbacks, such as

potential toxicity to humans and other animals. According to the Stockholm

Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, 10 of the 12 most dangerous and

persistent organic chemicals are pesticides. 2

India Pesticides Limited entered the Agrochemicals & Pharmaceutical

Industry in 1973 founded by Mr. Anand Swarup Agarwal an industrialist with a

strong vision for future growth.The use of pesticides has a long history. There is

evidence that ancient Romans and Chinese, for example, used various minerals and

plant extracts as pesticides. Manufactured chemical pesticides began in the 1930s and

dramatically increased after World War II (1939–45). The widespread use of

chemical pesticides led to an increased concern for how pesticides were affecting the

environment, animals, and people. Over the years, pesticides have undergone much

advancement, including the development of natural substances and improvements on

the traditional. The use of pesticides is a hotly debated topic. While they can be

extremely useful in terms of protecting plants from disease-carrying insects and pests,

most pesticides are risky, by their very nature. To be effective, pesticides must be able

to kill some living organisms,

and this can pose risks to humans, pets, or the environment. Since pesticides can

provide such a benefit to humans, researchers continue to look for safe, effective

solutions.3

Chemicals are being used increasingly in agriculture either as fertilizers,

insecticides or pesticides. Agricultural workers are exposed to toxic hazards from

these chemicals. Associated factors such as malnutrition and parasitic infestation may

increase susceptibility to poisoning.4

Most farmers rely heavily on the use of synthetic pesticides. Although

most of them know that these pesticides are dangerous chemicals that can be

hazardous to their health they seem to ignore this and handle the chemicals as if they

were quite harmless. This has created a very serious problem in rural areas where

pesticides are being used. One of the objectives of the IPM DANIDA Project is to

help farmers reduce the risks of pesticide use. Therefore, the project had invited Ms.

Helen Murphy, an epidemiologist specialized in pesticide poisoning, to conduct a

training workshop on this issue. The goal of this workshop was to develop trainers

who can help farmers survey pesticide use and to become aware of how these

pesticides affect health in their own community. To find out how serious and

widespread the problems of pesticide poisoning among farmers are, it is necessary to

conduct studies where farmers are directly involved. Helen Murphy has been working

with governments and international organizations in the region to develop a

participative approach to collect health information with active participation of farmer

communities. The strength of this approach is that it does not use researchers who

extract data from farmers. It is the farmers themselves who collect the information,

who analyze the information, and who draw the conclusions. Different job functions

can lead to different levels of exposure. Most occupational exposures are caused by

absorption through exposed skin such as the face, hands, forearms, neck, and chest.

This exposure is sometimes enhanced by inhalation in settings including spraying

operations in greenhouses and other closed environments, tractor cabs, and the

operation of rotary fan mist sprayers.5

6.2 )NEED FOR STUDY

Many of the pesticides that we use make our lives easier. For instance,

(using some of our earlier examples) the pesticides in wool and our wood makes our

clothes and furniture last longer. You wouldn't want to have to buy a new wool

sweater everyyear,wouldyou? The fact that pesticides are in our food is probably

what makes people the most uncomfortable. Do we really need that? Why can't all the

farmers just grow food organically 1

The international development disease centre (Ottowa) has claimed that

about 10,000 people every year in developing contries due to pesticides India

accounts to one third of it. Some problem which have come to certain part of India are

blindness, cancer, deformities and cancer of liver and nervous system in the cotten

growing areas of Andrapradesh and Maharashtra. Similarly in Madhya Pradesh 50

peacocks died due to eating poisoned crabs and chemical bajra. we are using more

pesticides than ever. Here in the US, we use almost 4 pounds of it annually per

person! Although most modern pesticides are much safer than their predecessors, a

few of our commonly used pesticides are considered toxic.The health and

environmental effects of pesticides have increased over the past several years6

The issue of pesticides and their use is actually quite complex, involving the

(sometimes) conflicting interests of health concern advocates, the $500 billion agro-

industry, environmentalists, consumers as well as politicians... There is no doubt to

many scientists that most pesticides are toxic, after all that is what they were designed

to do, and should eventually be eliminated from the environment. The question is how

quickly so that farmers and their critical products ( our food supply) are not left

without recoursePesticide poisoning is an important occupational health issue because

pesticides are used in a large number of industries, which puts many different

categories of workers at risk. Extensive use puts agricultural workers in particular at

increased risk for pesticide illnesses. Workers in other industries are at risk for

exposure as well. For example, commercial availability of pesticides in stores puts

retail workers at risk for exposure and illness when they handle pesticide products.7

Damage or injury to kidneys caused by exposure to pesticides. Often other

organs and tissues are also affected. The most common exposure scenarios for

pesticide-poisoning cases are accidental or suicidal poisonings, occupational

exposure, by-stander exposure to off-target drift, and the general public who are

exposed through environmental contamination.

Well designed and resilient agricultural systems are essential for

producing the food and fiber necessary for secure, prosperous and healthy

communities. Yet farming is one of the most dangerous industries according to the

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Illnesses, acute injuries and even fatalities are high among

agricultural workers compared to other industries due to the use of machinery and

equipment, repetitive physical work, close interactions with animals, and exposure to

chemical toxicants. Agriculture is one of the oldest occupations, and approximately

2.7 billion people worldwide are employed in some form of agricultural activity.

Agriculture is also one of the most hazardous industries worldwide.

Few environmental issues have aroused the concern of the public as much

as pesticides, especially in relation to the health of children. In spite of the many

published studies on the subject of pesticides and human health, there remains deep

controversy surrounding issue.8

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

INTRODUCTION

Review of literature is a key step in the research process. The typical

purpose of analyzing a review of existing literature is to generate questions and to

identify what is known and what is unknown about the topic. The major goals of

review of literature are to develop a strong knowledge base to carry out research and

non research scholarly activity.

A) REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON PESTICIDES

Christopher B. Field conducted a study in Washington on may 2007. The

pesticides are a broad class of chemicals and biological agents that are specifically

designed and applied to kill a pest. Specific types of pesticides target specific types of

pests: insecticides kill insects, fungicides kill fungi and bacteria, herbicides kill weeds

and other unwanted plant vegetation, molluscacides kill mollusks, acaricides kill

spiders, and so on. Pesticide use dates back to ancient times.9

According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Pesticides

can be classified by target organism, chemical structure, and physical state. Pesticides

can also be classed as inorganic, synthetic, or biologicals (biopesticides), although the

distinction can sometimes blur. Biopesticides include microbial pesticides and

biochemical pesticides. Plant-derived pesticides, or "botanicals", have been

developing quickly. These include the pyrethroids, rotenoids, nicotinoids, and a

fourth group that includes strychnine and scilliroside.10

Many pesticides can be grouped into chemical families. Prominent insecticide

families include organochlorines, organophosphates, and carbamates. Organochlorine

hydrocarbons (e.g. DDT) could be separated into dichlorodiphenylethanes, cyclodiene

compounds, and other related compounds. They operate by disrupting the

sodium/potassium balance of the nerve fiber, forcing the nerve to transmit

continuously. Their toxicities vary greatly, but they have been phased out because of

their persistence and potential to bioaccumulate. Organophosphate and carbamates

largely replaced organochlorines. Both operate through inhibiting the enzyme

acetylcholinesterase, allowing acetylcholine to transfer nerve impulses indefinitely

and causing a variety of symptoms such as weakness or paralysis. Organophosphates

are quite toxic to vertebrates, and have in some cases been replaced by less toxic

carbamates. Thiocarbamate and dithiocarbamates are subclasses of carbamates.

Prominent families of herbicides include pheoxy and benzoic acid herbicides (e.g.

2,4-D), triazines (e.g. atrazine), ureas (e.g. diuron), and Chloroacetanilides (e.g.

alachlor). Phenoxy compounds tend to selectively kill broadleaved weeds rather than

grasses. The phenoxy and benzoic acid herbicides function similar to plant growth

hormones, and grow cells without normal cell division, crushing the plants nutrient

transport system. Triazines interfere with photsynthesis. Many commonly used

pesticides are not included in these families, including glyphosate.

Algicides or algaecides for the control of algae

Avicides for the control of birds

Bactericides for the control of bacteria

Fungicides for the control of fungi and oomycetes

Herbicides (e.g. glyphosate) for the control of weeds

Insecticides (e.g. organochlorines, organophosphates, carbamates, and

pyrethroids) for the control of insects - these can be ovicides (substances that

kill eggs), larvicides (substances that kill larvae) or adulticides (substances

that kill adults) Miticides or acaricides for the control of mites 10

B) REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON THE HEALTH PROBLEMS

DUE TO PESTICIDES

John Kent conducted a study at 1991 in Astralia the community was

experience awareness of environmental and public health issues and this has focused

attention on pesticides and their potential hazards. The result has been strong pressure

on those involved in farm chemical management to limit the use of these products. At

the extreme there are those who wish to ban pesticides completely or at the least

impose very harsh legislation to strictly control their use. From an agricultural

industry perspective, pesticides are an important component of economic and

effective pest control and their continued use is essential. With the benefits of

increased knowledge and experience, it is apparent that these products must no longer

be used as they were in the past. All farm chemicals must be utilised strategically in

the farming system and only be applied with care by competent operators. We all

benefit from farm chemicals and therefore we all have a responsibility to ensure that

these benefits are maximised, while any adverse effects are minimised.11

Dina M. Schreinemachers, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina in July

2003 conducted a study that babies born to families living near wheat growing

agricultural areas using chemical pesticides have been found to have a 65% greater

risk of having birth defects related to the respiratory or circulatory system. The

conclusion of the study found there was over a 100% increas in circulatory or

respiratory birth defects in babies if heart malformations were excluded. When

looking at masculoskelatal/ integumental anomalies for both sexes in the high wheat

growing contries, there was 50% increased risk of this type of defects. Infant death

for male babies was over 2.5 times higher than normal. Scientist also found that

infants concieved from April-June had 75% increased risk of being diagnosed birth

defects-compared to birth defects rates for conception during other times of the year.12

Erin M. Bell, Maryland conducted a study in March 2001 states that over

600 children to determine what part local pesticides use plays in increasing the risk of

having a late fatal death after 5 months of pregnancy. Using maps and records of

pesticides use, the researchers divided mothers into categories according to how close

they lived to pesticide applications. If they lived within 1 mile of an agricultural

pesticide application that occured between weeks 3-8 of gestation they were

considered as “exposed”. Weeks 3-8 during pregnancy were selected since this is the

critical period in which formation of organs and limbs are occuring. Results of this

study showed there was approximately 2-fold greater risk of having a stillbirth if the

mother lived within 1 mile from an agricultural area which used organophosphate-

pyrethroid- carbamate- or chlorinated pesticides. Primary defects which contributed

to the death of the child were urinary system and multiple congenital anomalies.13

Julie L. Daniels, Andrew F. Olshan conducted a study in January 2001

states that pesticides use around the home can double the chance of a child

developing neuroblastoma. It accounts for approximately 10% of all childhood

tumors. There are 550 cases in the United States each year, with an annual incidence

rate of 9.2 cases per million children under 15 years of age. This works out to

approximately 1per 100,000 children under age 15 on a national level. As statistics

shows that neuroblastoma rates have increased over the past 50 years, it is reasonable

to assume environmental factors may be involved. One of the largest collaborative

effords among 7 universities and medical facilities worked together to determine

what extent pesticides use in the home could increase child neuroblastoma rates.

Results showed that using pesticides in and around the home resulted in a 60%

increased likelyhood of children developing the disease(Odds ratio=1.6) . Looking at

pesticides used for the lawn and garden only resulted in an increased risk of 120%

( Odds ratio=2.2). When the mother had applied pesticides in the yard and 50%

higher (Odds ratio=1.5). When the father had applied pesticide in the yard.14

Erin Bell (Ph.D), North Carolina was conducted a study in March 2001

states that living close to areas where agricultural pesticides are applied may increase

the risk of fatal death from birth defects. The study which involved almost 700

women in 10 California countries, showed an increased risk of death among

developing babies. Mothers who lived near crops where certain pesticides were

sprayed faced a 40 to 120% increase in risk of miscarriage due to birth defects. The

largest risks for fatal death due to birth defects were from pesticides exposure during

the third week to the eighth week of pregnancy. The risk appeared to be strongest

among pregnant women who lived in the same square mile where pesticide were

used.About 19,000 fatal deaths occur in the United States each year, and the cause

remain a significant public health problem. Among known risk factors are smoking,

advanced age among pregnant women and previous history of fatal death.15

C) REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON THE HEALTH PROBLEM

OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS DUE TO PROLONGED

CONTACT WITH PESTICIDES

Calvert GM, Karnik J, Mehler L conducted a study in 2005 at

United States Acute pesticide poisoning among agricultural workers that Of the 3,271

cases included in the analysis, 2,334 (71%) were employed as farm workers. The

remaining cases were employed as processing/packing plant workers (12%), farmers

(3%), and other miscellaneous agricultural workers (19%). The majority of cases had

low severity illness (N = 2,848, 87%), while 402 (12%) were of medium severity and

20 (0.6%) were of high severity. One case was fatal. Rates of illness among various

agricultural worker categories were highly variable but all, except farmers, showed

risk for agricultural workers greater than risk for non-agricultural workers by an order

of magnitude or more. Also, the rate among female agricultural workers was almost

twofold higher compared to males .The findings from this study suggest that acute

pesticide poisoning in the agricultural industry continues to be an important problem.

These findings reinforce the need for heightened efforts to better protect farm workers

from pesticide exposure. 16

Moses M conducted a study in March 1989 U.S that Migrant and

seasonal farm workers are primarily ethnic minorities who are excluded from federal

laws that protect other workers. Farm workers live and work under substandard

conditions that place them at increased risk of pesticide-related illness. Agriculture

uses 80% of all pesticides in the handlers who mix, load and apply pesticides as well

as workers cultivating and harvesting crops sprayed with them are at risk of acute

poisoning or even death from their exposures. Drift and run-off of agricultural

pesticides pollute the air, soil and water, creating additional hazards to workers'

families, community residents, and the environment. Chronic effects, including

cancer in adults and children, adverse reproductive outcomes, delayed neuropathy and

neurobehavioral effects, are also associated with occupational and environmental

exposure to pesticides.17

M. Sanborn, MD conducted a study in 2007 In agricultural

workers with contact dermatitis, sensitization to both plant material and pesticides

was documented, but most study designs did not allow attribution of rashes

specifically to pesticide exposure. One study that used a biomarker for pesticide

exposure found a dose-response relationship between dermatitis and years of

fungicide exposure or poor application practices 61% of pesticide-exposed

agricultural workers and 31% of controls had dermatitis (P < .001). Pet groomers who

gave more than 75 pyrethrin flea treatments per year had more rashes (odds ratio [OR]

2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02 to 4.09) and more eye symptoms (OR 4.75,

95% CI 1.14 to 18.23) than those who gave fewer treatment Long-term effects of

pesticides on the nervous system include cognitive and psychomotor dysfunction, and

neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental effects. Pesticide poisonings result in

well-described acute and chronic neurotoxic syndromes. Chronic effects from low or

moderate exposures have been less well documented.18

Nana O.B. Ackerson conducted a study in 2010 that Urban

agriculture, a world-wide practice, faces both environmental and health challenges.

Farmers are susceptible to occupational and other water-related health risks. The

research identified health problems related to urban agricultural farming through

farmers’ social characteristics and agricultural practices. Thorough interviews, using

structured questionnaires, were carried out. Sixty three farmers responded to

questions ranging from agricultural practices to health problems encountered.The

findings showed that farmers apply both organic and inorganic fertilisers while 97%

used pesticides of varying active ingredients at different application rates. Only 10%

used personal protective clothing during the application of pesticides. Overhead

irrigation was carried out using a watering can. Eighty four percent and 13% of the

respondents utilised water from shallow wells and shallow wells mixed with

contaminated stream, respectively. Besides schistosomiasis and cholera, other

bacterial diseases, nematode infections, malaria, headaches, dermatological, visual,

cardiac, and respiratory problems were common health complaints. Headache

complaints were the most common (75%).19

A.V.F. Ngowi,T.J. Mbise conducted a study in 2007 at Northern Tanzania

Small-scale farmers in Northern Tanzania grow vegetables that include tomatoes,

cabbages and onions and use many types of pesticides to control pests and diseases

that attack these crops. Based on the use of questionnaires and interviews that were

conducted in Arumeru, Monduli, Karatu, and Moshi rural districts, this study

investigates farmers’ practices on vegetable pest management using pesticides and

related cost and health effects. The types of pesticides used by the farmers in the

study areas were insecticides (59%), fungicides (29%) and herbicides (10%) with the

remaining 2% being rodenticides. About a third of the farmers applied pesticides in

mixtures. Up to 90% had a maximum of 3 pesticides in a mixture. In all cases there

were no specific instructions either from the labels or extension workers regarding

these tank mixtures. Fifty three percent of the farmers reported that the trend of

pesticide use was increasing, while 33% was constant and 14% was decreasing. More

than 50 percent of the respondents applied pesticides up to 5 times or more per

cropping season depending on the crop. Insecticides and fungicides were routinely

applied by 77% and 7%, respectively by these farmers. Sixty eight percent of farmers

reported having felt sick after routine application of pesticides. Pesticide-related

health symptoms that were associated with pesticides use included skin problems and

neurological system disturbances (dizziness, headache). Sixty one percent of farmers

reported spending no money on health due to pesticides. 20

Jane A Hoppin, David M Umbach, in 1993 conducted a cross sectional

study of occupational risk factors for farmer's lung among ~50 000 farmers and farm

spouses in Iowa and North Carolina that handling silage (OR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.10 to

1.82), high pesticide exposure events (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.39 to 2.21), and ever use

of organochlorine (OR = 1.34, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.74) and carbamate pesticides (OR =

1.32, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.68) were associated with farmer's lung in mutually‐adjusted

models. The insecticides DDT, lindane, and aldicarb were positively associated with

farmer's lung among farmers. Current animal exposures, while not statistically

significant, were positively associated with farmer's lung, particularly for poultry

houses (OR = 1.55, 95% CI 0.93 to 2.58) and dairy cattle (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 0.86 to

1.89). The occupational data were more limited for spouses; however, we saw similar

associations for dairy cattle (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 0.72 to 3.14) and organochlorine

pesticides (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 0.64 to 2.59).While historic farm exposures may

contribute to the observed associations with pesticides, these results suggest that

organochlorine and carbamate pesticides should be further evaluated as potential risk

factors for farmer's lung. Farmer's lung, the most common type of hypersensitivity

pneumonitis, is an important source of respiratory morbidity among farmers.

Estimates of the prevalence of farmer's lung in farming populations range from 0.5%

to 4.4%, owing to differences in diagnostic practices, and differences in farming

practices and climate. Farmer's lung is more common in the Northern latitudes and

among dairy farmers. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

estimates that as many as 2–10% of Canadian farm workers have farmer's lung.

Although thermoactinomycetes and other bacteria in mouldy hay are well‐established

causes of farmer's lung, other factors are also hypothesised to influence the

development of hypersensitivity pneumonitis. 21

6.3 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM:

A STUDY TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE

HEALTH PROBLEMS OF AGRICULTURAL WORKERS

RELATED TO PROLONGED CONTACT WITH PESTICIDES

IN SELECTED RURAL AREAS AT BANGALORE IN VIEW TO

PROVIDE HEALTH EDUCATION.

6.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To assess the existing health problem of agricultural workers related to

prolonged Contact with pesticides

To assess the knowledge of Agricultural health workers regarding health

problems related to prolonged contact with pesticides

Find out the association between knowledge and selected demographic

variables such As Age, sex, economic status, place of residence, use of

pesticides.

6.5 HYPOTHESIS

H1: There will be significant difference with knowledge and health problems

related prolonged contact with pesticides

H2: There will be significant association between knowledge level of

agricultural workers and demographic variables such as age, sex ,

education, economic status, area of residence and education.

6.6 OPERATIONAL DEFINITIONS:

KNOWLEDGE :-

It is the awareness regarding the of health problems related to prolonged

contact with pesticides

PESTICIDES-

Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying or

controlling any pest, including vectors of human or animal disease, unwanted species

of plants or animals causing harm during or otherwise interfering with the production,

processing, storage, transport or marketing of food, agricultural commodities, wood

and wood products or animal feedstuffs, or substances which may be administered to

animals for the control of insects, arachnids or other pests in or on their bodies. The

term includes substances intended for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant,

desiccant or agent for thinning fruit or preventing the premature fall of fruit. Also

used as substances applied to crops either before or after harvest to protect the

commodity from deterioration during storage and transport.

HEALTH PROBLEM

Those who are working in agricultural field and getting problems through

prolonged contact with pesticides

AGRICULTURAL WORKERS

Those who are working in agricultural field

HEALTH EDUCATION

Health education is a powerful and effective medicine in the treatment

and prevention of illness from health problems through prolonged contact with

pesticides

6.7 ASSUMPTIONS

Agricultural workers will have inadequate knowledge regarding pesticides.

Agricultural workers will have inadequate knowledge regarding health

problems related to prolonged contact with the pesticides.

6.8 DELIMITATIONS:

Study is limited to 60 samples.

The study is limited to those who know English and Kannada.

This study is limited to selected areas of Bangalore

6.9 PROJECTED OUTCOME

The present study will help the Agricultural workers to develop a better

knowledge regarding health problems related to prolonged contact with the

pesticides.

7 MATERIALS AND METHODS

7.1 SOURCE OF DATA

The data will be collected from Agricultural workers who are working in

Gonipura village,Bangalore

7.1.1 RESEARCH DESIGN

The research design adopted for this study is descriptive

RESEARCH APPROACH

The research approach is survey.

7.1.2 SETTING:.

The study will be conducted in Gonipura village,Bangalore .It is 25 km away from the college

7.1.3 POPULATION

The population selected are Agricultural workers .

7.2 METHOD OF DATA COLLECTION

7.2.1 SAMPLING PROCEDURE

The Sampling Technique adopted for this study is purposive

7.2.2 SAMPLE SIZE

The sample size is 60.

7.2.3 INCLUSION CRITERIA

Agricultural workers who are willing to participate in the study.

Those who suffer from health hazards of pesticides

7.2.4 EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Agricultural workers who are not willing to participate.

Those who are don’t know Kannada and English

7.2.5 INSTRUMENT INTENDED TO BE USED

SELECTION OF TOOL

This consist of two parts :

PART 1 :consist of demographic variables such as age, sex, education, area of

residence, income.

PART 2:Questionnaire will be used to assess the knowledge.25 Questions will be

used.

SCORING PROCEDURE

For knowledge assessment

If answer is yes 1

If answer is no 0

SCORING INTERPRETATION:

Level of knowledge Range

Adequate knowledge Above 75%

Moderate knowledge 51- 74%

In adequate knowledge 50% and below

7.2.6 DATA COLLECTION METHOD

Prior-permission will be obtained from the farmer’s union and ward

member before conducting the study. Interview will be conducted between

10 am to 3 pm. Data will be collected from 5 samples per day. The duration

will be 4 weeks. The duration of study will be 30 minutes will be spent per

each subject.

7.2.7 PILOT STUDY

6 samples will be selected and study will be conducted to find out the

feasibility.

7.2.8 DATA ANALYSIS PLAN

The data obtained will be analyzed in view of the objectives of the

study using descriptive and inferential statistics.

The plan for data analysis was as follows: -

Frequencies and percentage of distribution will be used to analyze

the demographic data.

Mean, Median and Mode, Standard deviation will be used for

accessing the knowledge scores.

Chi-square test to find out the association between knowledge with

selected demographic variables. The significant findings will be

experienced in tables, figures and graph.

7.3 DOES THE STUDY REQUIRE ANY INVESTIGATION OR INTERVENTION TO BE CONDUCTED ON PATIENTS OR OTHER HUMANS OR ANIMALS?

- No-

7.4 HAS THE ETHICAL CLEARANCE BEEN OBTAINED

FROM YOUR INSTITUTION?

YES, Ethical clearance will be obtained from the research committee of

Nightingale college of nursing.

Consent will be taken from the Ward member and permission will be taken from the

study subjects before the collection of data.

8 LIST OF REFFERENCES

1. Pesticides, an introduction

http://www.chem.duke.edu/~jds/cruise_chem/pest/pestintro.html

2. Wikipedia, Articles pesticide,

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9. SIGNATURE OF THE CANDIDATE

10. REMARKS OF THE GUIDE

11. NAME AND DESIGNATION OF

11.1 GUIDE

11.2 SIGNATURE

11.3CO-GUIDE

11.4SIGNATURE

11.5 HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

11.6 SIGNATURE

12 12.1 REMARKSOF THE PRINCIPAL

12.2 SIGNATURE