Effectiveness of participatory learning program on pesticide utilization among agriculturists in Srinakorn district, Sukhothai province

Abstract

One of the frequent methods that agriculturists choose to control pests is to use pesticides. Pesticides are dangerous not only for direct users but also for residents living nearby, consumers, and environment. Pesticide poisoning is a major problem and had contributed to a majority of deaths from occupational diseases. This study utilized a participatory learning approach, one of the innovative strategies, to reduce pesticide problems. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the participatory learning program on pesticide utilization among agriculturists. The study applied a quasi-experimental research design with a control group. The effectiveness of the program on pesticide utilization was assessed by pre- and post-test questionnaires on knowledge, right health attitude, and safe practice. Subjects were purposively selected from agriculturists living in two sub-districts, Nongbua sub-district (experimental group) and Khlongmaplab sub-district (control group), in Srinakorn district, Sukhothai province. There were a total of 41 subjects in each group. The study was conducted during October 2006 – February 2007 and could divide into three phases: (a) preparatory, (b) pre-implementation, and (c) implementation. Data analyses were performed using descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation, and percentage) as well as inferential statistics (chi-square, t-test, and paired-t test) to evaluate differences of characteristics between experimental and control groups and to evaluate changes of participants’ knowledge, attitude, and practice within two-week period. Results revealed that after the participatory learning program was implemented, the experimental group had significantly higher mean scores of knowledge, attitude, and practice than that before receiving the program (p < .001). On the contrary the mean scores of the control group were unchanged (p > 0.05) between pre- and post-test evaluations. Therefore the participatory learning program was effective in increasing knowledge, attitude, and practice of participants.