Evaluating Safety Practices Associated With Use of Household Pesticides: An Interventional Study in Kurmin Mashi Rural Community, Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Many households in developing countries routinely use pesticides without any safety considerations. The objective of this study was to determine types of pesticides and pesticide-use practices of the residents, to determine self-reported adverse effects resulting from pesticide use and to assess the impact of educational intervention on pesticide use behavior in the study area. Commercially available pesticide samples were collected from pesticide vendors in the area. Pre -tested questionnaires were distributed to 375 family heads. Data was expressed as frequency and percentages.
Educational intervention on safe pesticide use was carried out. Pre and post intervention behavior were compared using paired t test. Relationship between demographic variables and pesticide use practices were explored using Chi Square statistics. A p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Prevalent pests were mosquitoes, cockroaches, rats, bedbugs, ants, termites, houseflies, ticks and scorpion. The major constituent of pesticides in this environment was Dichlorvos (DDVP). Many commercially available pesticides were unlabeled. Nearly half, 48.8% had used pesticides in the home. More than three quarters, 78.7% indicated that they read instructions before using pesticides. More than one third, 36% had experienced health problems attributed to pesticide use. Many locally available pesticides were unlabeled. Majority of labelled pesticides contained mainly Diclorvos (DDPV). Unsafe pesticide handling practices were common. The most common self -reported adverse effect was respiratory symptoms. Educational intervention increased in the proportion of respondents that used of non-chemical methods and adopted safer pesticide use practices.

Keywords: Pesticides, Diclorvos (DDPV), Educational Intervention, Pharmacist, Nigeria