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Assessment of the Level of Awareness, Attitude and Information Sources of Pesticide Sellers and its Impact on Human Health and the Environment in Shiraz City
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A Hosseinpour1   , M Vahedi1 , F Kazemi1 , M Tangsiri1 , K Azizi2 |
1- Department of Biology and Vector Control, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2- Health Sciences Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran , azizik@sums.ac.ir |
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Abstract: (1703 Views) |
Background & aim: Pesticides are important factors in controlling health and agricultural pests and increasing productivity in agriculture, but their incorrect use can have serious consequences on human health and the environment. Pesticide sellers play a key role in the distribution chain and safe use of these compounds. As the source of pesticide distribution in society, they have an undeniable role in raising awareness and improving the information of users of these substances. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine and evaluate the level of awareness, attitude, and information sources of pesticide sellers and its impact on human health and the environment in the city of Shiraz.
Methods: The present cross-sectional study using a survey method was conducted in Shiraz, Iran, in 2021. The target population included 45 pesticide stores in Shiraz, all stores were included in the study by census method, and the sales manager of each store was selected as the unit of study. Data were collected using a standard questionnaire that included demographic information, questions related to the level of awareness, attitude, and information sources of sellers regarding pesticide use and their health and environmental effects. Data collection was carried out in the form of face-to-face visits and direct interviews. The collected data were analyzed after coding using SPSS and Excel software using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) and appropriate statistical tests including the Chi-square test.
Results: The results indicated that 88.89 percent of the store managers were male and 42.23 percent of them were in the age group of 31 to 40 years. 40 percent of the respondents had a bachelor's degree or higher and 70.45 percent of their field of study was unrelated to agricultural engineering. 41 percent of the sellers believed that pesticides are directly harmful to human health and 79 percent of them always read pesticide labels. 78 percent of the sellers considered the use of protective equipment during spraying essential and 93 percent were against drinking liquids during dilution and spraying. As a result, pesticide sellers in Shiraz had a relatively good knowledge of pesticide use and their effects on human health and the environment, but there is still a need for further education and information on modern pest control methods and safe use of pesticides.
Conclusion: This study indicated that it was necessary to educate pesticide sellers with an emphasis on their safe and effective use. Increasing their knowledge and changing their attitudes can have a significant impact on sustainable agriculture and the general health of farmers and people in Shiraz.
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| Keywords: Pesticide use hygiene, Awareness measurement, Education and information, Phytopharmacy |
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Full-Text [PDF 721 kb]
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Special
Received: 2025/06/8 | Accepted: 2025/10/12 | Published: 2025/10/19
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