Practice and effect of pesticide use on farmers' health in Sindh, Pakistan

Objective: To identify the frequency and mode of pesticide application, its adverse health effects, and to assess farmers' knowledge and practice of precautionary measures. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in Matli, Badin in the Sindh province of Pakistan from February to April 2020, and comprised farmers. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS 22. Results: Of the 332 farmers, 329(99.1%) were males. The overall mean age was 31.18 +/- 12.79 years (range: 21-30 years). Also, 269(81%) of them had not attended formal schooling, and the mean duration of farming practice was 1.64 +/- 0.859 years.` Further, 136(41%) participants did not follow the recommended frequency of pesticide application, accidental ingestion was reported by 208(62.7%) participants, and inhalation by 203(61.1%). Dumping of pesticide containers in open fields was a common practice for 247(74.4%) subjects, and 223(67.2%) showed interest in safety training sessions. Conclusions: Farmers of Sindh were found to be seriously exposed to pesticide risk because of inadequate knowledge.