Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Kubang Kerian, Kelantan
  • 2 Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 84600 Muar, Johor,
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: : The increased pesticide usage is due to intensification of agricultural sector. Pesticide is known to give
an adverse effect to human health and environment. This study aims to investigate the level of knowledge, attitude
and practice (KAP) on pesticide exposure among farmers. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among
vegetable and fruits farmers in the district of Kota Bharu, Kelantan. A modified KAP questionnaire was adapted and
interviewed among 144 respondents. KAP level was constructed from the scores obtained. Results: About 85.4%
of them were males with mean age of 48 years old, and 66% of them finished secondary school. The respondents’
complaint that they had experienced symptoms such as excessive sweating (34.7%), blurred vision (27.1%) and
numbness in legs (22.9%). Around 63% of farmers stored the pesticide bottle at designated place, while 62% wore
personal protective equipment during spraying pesticides. About 61.1% of respondents had moderate knowledge
of the pesticide used, 56.3% of them showed a not concern level of attitude towards pesticide usage, and 21.5% of
them indicated a good practice while handling the pesticide. Significant correlation was observed between attitude
with knowledge and practice (p