Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Pesticide Use and Related Health Symptoms among Albagar Sudanese Farmers

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Pesticide Use and Related Health Symptoms among Albagar Sudanese Farmers | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Article Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Pesticide Use and Related Health Symptoms among Albagar Sudanese Farmers Samah Abd-Elrahim Batran, Alrufaai Musa-Ahmed Aldekhery, Yousra Waheedaldin-Jamal Ali, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7919296/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Objectives This study aimed to assess farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pesticide use and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the health issues associated with exposure and improper handling. Methods Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires. Results The results showed that none of the participants were aware of the biohazards associated with pesticide exposure, proper application methods, appropriate post-application practices, or the safe disposal of empty pesticide containers. Consequently, farmers experienced various health issues following pesticide use. Conclusion Continuous education and training programs are essential to increase farmers’ awareness of pesticide-related biohazards, correct application methods, and proper disposal techniques. Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental sciences Health sciences/Health occupations Health sciences/Risk factors Agriculture farmers pesticides knowledge attitudes personal protective equipment Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Introduction Agriculture is the second largest employment sector globally; however, it is also considered one of the most hazardous occupations (Öztaş et al., 2018) [ 1 ]. Pesticides are widely used to enhance agricultural productivity, control pests, and prevent diseases caused by various organisms (Jallow et al., 2017; Abbassy, 2017) [2;3]. Globally, the misuse of pesticides has been identified as a major environmental and public health concern, leading to adverse effects on human health, non-target organisms, and ecosystems (Jeyaratnam, 1990; Pimentel et al., 2013; Lekei et al., 2014) (4;5;6). Improper pesticide application can contaminate water, soil, air, and agricultural products (Arias-Estévez et al., 2008; Bedos et al., 2002; Osman et al., 2010) [7;8;9], leading to numerous health complications (Jallow et al., 2017) [ 2 ]. In developing countries, pesticide exposure is exacerbated by unfavorable working conditions and low levels of education among farmers (Öztaş et al., 2018) [ 1 ]. Assessing farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding pesticide use can aid in developing effective training and educational programs to mitigate associated risks (Öztaş et al., 2018) [ 1 ]. Materials and methods Study design and objectives This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to evaluate farmers’ knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding the safe use of pesticides, identify health problems associated with pesticide exposure, and assess the safety measures adopted by farmers during pesticide application. Study area The study was conducted in Albagar farms, located in eastern Nile, Khartoum state, Sudan. The study included 50 farms, each covering an average area of 3–4 acres. Data collection A structured, closed-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Additionally, observations were conducted to assess farmers’ PPE conditions and pesticide storage practices. Statistical analysis Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages, were used for analysis. A confidence interval of 95% was applied, and a p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 50 farmers participated in the study. The most commonly cultivated crop was tomato (n = 76) Fig. 1 , and the most frequently used pesticide was cypermethrin (n = 96). Figure 2 . Among the participants, 28 (56%) had basic education. However, none had received training or educational programs on safe pesticide use ( Table 1 ). Regarding pesticide knowledge, 23 (46%) farmers reported reading the material safety data sheets, while 47 (94%) understood the safety signs on pesticide containers ( Table 2 ). With respect to PPE use, 31 (62%) farmers did not wear any protective equipment during pesticide application ( Table 3 ). While all farmers washed their hands after pesticide application and stored pesticides on their farms, 4 (8%) used empty pesticide containers for storing food ( Table 4 ). Moreover, 42 (84%) and 43 (86%) farmers experienced skin and eye irritation, respectively, following pesticide application ( Table 5 ). Table 1 Characteristics of spraying pesticide by farmers. Character Days n % Exposure periods 1–5 21 42.0% 6–10 7 14.0% 11–15 4 8.0% 16–20 8 16.0% > 20 10 20.0% Amount of pesticide sprayed/pump 1–5 32 64.0% 6–10 12 24.0% > 10 6 12.0% Period between sprayed /days 7 11 22.0% Table 2 Farmers` knowledge toward pesticide Knowledge about Pesticides Respond n % Read the Material Safety Data Sheets NO 27 54 Yes 23 46 Understand the safety signs No 3 6 Yes 47 94 Table 3 Use of PPE by farmers Use of PPE n % NO 31 62.0% Rarely (Mask) 5 10.0% Scarf 4 8.0% Mask 3 6.0% Rarely used (scarf) 2 4.0% Boots 1 2.0% Mask and gloves 1 2.0% Mask, gloves and boots 1 2.0% Rarely (mask and scarf) 1 2.0% Rarely used (Gloves and mask) 1 2.0% Table 4 Farmers` attitudes and the discharge methods of pesticides by farmers Attitudes/ discharge method n % Hand washing after handling or application 50 100.0% Taking shower and washing clothes after application 46 92.0% Using the empty pesticide container for saving food stuff 4 8.0% Using canal running water for washing utensils and cooking (contaminated by pesticides) 46 92.0% Threw pesticide containers away 46 92.0% Table 5 Health problems reported by farmers following pesticide exposure Health problem Age groups Total X 2 df P. value 18–40 > 40 Chronic coughing 4 3 7 0.002 1 .960 13.8% 14.3% 14.0% Coughing blood 5 1 6 1.8 1 .180 17.2% 4.8% 12.0% skin irritation after application 24 18 42 0.8 1 .778 82.8% 85.7% 84.0% Dermatitis 3 1 4 0,52 1 .473 10.3% 4.8% 8.0% Eye irritation after application 24 19 43 0.6 1 .438 82.8% 90.5% 86.0% Recurrent phlegm 4 8 12 3.9 1 .047 13.8% 38.1% 24.0% Total 29 21 50 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess Sudanese farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pesticide use and safety measures. Cypermethrin was the most commonly used pesticide in this study. According to Ngowi et al. (2007) [ 10 ], cypermethrin is an organochlorine pesticide classified as a Class II hazardous substance by the World Health Organization due to its toxicity. In experimental animals, organochlorine pesticides inhibit cholinesterase and pyrethroid insecticides impair the function of peripheral nervous system leading to paralysis, incoordination and convulsions (Soderlund and Bloomquist, 1989) [ 11 ]. The awareness of farmers regarding safe pesticide use is closely linked to their education level (Öztaş et al., 2018) [ 1 ]. In our study, 44% of farmers had only primary education, a finding inconsistent with previous studies where a higher percentage of farmers had higher education levels (Yassin et al., 2002; Rostami et al., 2019) [12;13]. However, studies conducted in some developing countries by Hurtig et al., (2003) [ 14 ] Mekonnen and Agonafir (2002) [ 15 ], in addition to Zyoud et al., (2010) [ 16 ] showed opposite results. The continues training and education programs assist farmers to use pesticide correctly (Oluwole and Cheke, 2009) [ 17 ]. Also, insufficient information about the selection and application methods of any pesticides will cause different health problems (Deng et al,. 2019) [ 18 ]. None of the farmers in our study had received formal training on pesticide use, a finding consistent with Kumar et al. (2012) [ 19 ]. Similar studies in developing countries also indicate that farmers rely on information from pesticide sellers and neighbors (Lekei et al., 2014; Deng et al., 2019) [6;18]. Understanding the biohazard sign on any pesticide container and reading the related material data sheet; will aid in proper handling of pesticide (Mandel et al., 2000) [ 20 ]. In our study, despite a significant proportion of farmers understanding safety labels, unsafe handling practices were prevalent, aligning with findings by Ejaz et al., (2004) [ 21 ]. However, our results are not in accordance with Öztaş et al., (2018) [ 1 ], Gaber and Abdel-Latif (2012) [ 22 ] and Zyoud et al., (2010) [ 16 ], reported. Their results indicated that, 88.6%, 33.0% and 71.4%, of farmers respectively, understood the label on the pesticide container and read the uses instructions. We assume that illiteracy and lack of knowledge about the biohazards of pesticides have been considered as the most important factors for the adoption of self-protective behaviors by farmers. This though is supported by (Blanco-Muñoz and Lacasaña, 2011; Damalas and Hashemi, 2010) [23;24] results. Farmers’ lack of PPE usage and improper application methods are major contributors to pesticide-related health issues (Damalas et al., 2006) [ 25 ]. The quality and availability of PPE significantly impact the level of protection (Oesterlund et al., 2014) [ 26 ]. In our study, although, less than the half number of farmers (38%) wore PPE during pesticide application, but, theses PPE did not provide sufficient protection because they were not standardized. This finding goes in the same direction with some researchers’ results. A study conducted by Oesterlund et al., (2014) [ 14 ] in Uganda reported that farmers did not use standard PPE; therefore, they experienced toxic poising effect due to pesticide exposure. Also, Lappharat et al., (2014) [ 27 ] reported the same findings. Furthermore, in some developing countries (Clarke et al., 1997; Yassin et al., 2002) [28;12], in India (Mancini et al. 2005) [ 29 ] and in Northern Greece (Damalas et al., 2006) [ 25 ] farmers did not adopt to use PPE. Furthermore, a study carried out by Oluwole and Cheke, (2009) [ 17 ] reported that 88.9% of farmers apply pesticide without the use of any PPE. Also, Khan, (2009) [ 30 ] observed that only 6% of Indian farmers wore gloves. In addition, Damalas et al., (2006) [ 25 ] reported that 81.0% of farmers did not wear PPE, 2.5% of them did not wear boots, 72.7% of them did not wear gloves and 86.8% of them not did use masks. Our study attributes the non-use of PPE to high costs and unavailability, supported by Lekei et al. (2014) [ 6 ], as well as Sudan’s hot climate, which discourages PPE use (Clarke et al., 1997) [ 28 ]. Bathing immediately after the application of pesticides decreases their poisoning effect (Öztaş et al., 2018) [ 1 ]. All farmers displayed positive attitudes regarding personal hygiene after pesticide application, aligning with Weng and Black (2015) [ 31 ] and Mubushar et al. (2019) [ 32 ]. Incorrect application of pesticide and unsafe disposal of pesticide containers have damaging effects to agricultural workers and to the environment, especially in developing countries (Öztaş et al., 2018) [ 1 ]. In our study, farmers showed negative attitudes towards the handling of the empty pesticide containers. On the other side, the methods of discharging the empty pesticide containers in some studies were variable. In Öztaş et al., study (2018) [ 1 ] the discharge of the empty pesticide containers took several forms; 4.3% of farmers took them to special collection bins or centres, 31.0% of them threw them away, 13.6% of them buried them, 41.2% of the farmers burned them and 10.0% of farmers washed and reused them for their daily life activities. Also, Gaber and Abdel-Latif, (2012) [ 22 ] observed that 43.0% of farmers reused the empty pesticide containers, 4.0% of them burned them and 53.0% of farmers threw them away. Similar findings were reported by Hurtig et al., (2003) [ 14 ], their results showed that 16.2% of farmers buried the empty pesticide containers, 18.0% burned them, 68.4% threw them away and 38.7% reused the empty pesticide containers to transport oil. Also, several studies have reported that pesticide exposure is associated with different health problems such as acute toxicity and chronic diseases (Council On Environmental Health, 2012; Lee et al., 2011; Roberts et al., 2012; Vidi et al., 2017) [33;34;35;36]. In our study, most farmers had skin and eye irritation following pesticide application. These findings match Zyoud et al., (2010) [ 16 ], Yassin et al. (2002) [ 12 ], Wilaiwan and Siriwong, (2014) [ 37 ] results, in which farmers had skin, eye and face irritation. We assume that the non-use of PPE or the use of non-standard PPE is associated with the reported health problems. This assumption agrees with Lekei et al., (2014) [ 6 ] findings. At the level of our study, we think that farmers age, their education level and the negative attitudes of towards the use of empty pesticide containers are the main predisposing factors to the harmful effect of occupational pesticide exposure. Conclusion This study highlights the need for continuous training and educational programs to improve farmers' awareness and knowledge of safe pesticide handling. Abbreviations PPE personal protective equipment n number Declarations Funding This work has received no fund. Author Contribution All authors contributed to the study conception and design. The current study was supervised by [Samah Abd-Elrahim Batran] and co-supervised by [Yosef Mohamed-Azzam Zakout]. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by [Alrufaai Musa Ahmed Aldekhery], [Yousra Waheedaldin Jamal Ali], [Hanan Mohammed Sulieman Abdelrahman] and [Hidaya Osman Elzubeir Mohammed Ali]. The first draft of the manuscript was written by [Samah Abd-Elrahim Batran] and revised by [Yosef Mohamed-Azzam Zakout]. In addition, all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript. Acknowledgements Authors are thankful to all farmers who participated in this study for their cooperation during data collection. Declarations All of the current research ethics were in accordance with declaration of Helsinki. Ethics approval and consent to participate This study was approved by the department of histopathology and cytology committee, and from the research ethical committee at FMLS, U of K. Also, an oral approval consent was obtained from the agricultural director office, Alalafoon, Cottage. In addition, an informed oral and written consent was obtained from each participant. Data Availability The data of the current study are available upon request from the corresponding author. References Abbassy, M. M. & Saleh Farmer’s Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices, and Their Exposure to Pesticide Residues after Application on the Vegetable and Fruit Crops. Case Study: North of Delta. Egypt J. Anal. Toxicol. 7 , 1–6. https://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0525.1000510 (2017). Andréa, M. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7919296","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":542328905,"identity":"da2ebfc2-d455-4ce7-8538-1b411f1332cd","order_by":0,"name":"Samah Abd-Elrahim 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02:20:14","extension":"html","order_by":8,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"acdc-reference","size":109479,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"earlyproof.html","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7919296/v1/f100037bd8d2fa2deb1758cc.html"},{"id":95691478,"identity":"508530dc-693d-4984-bbf6-64e53ed56322","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-12 02:20:14","extension":"jpeg","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":122888,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypes of crops cultivated by farmers\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7919296/v1/30b9ee31f4dc43da55a816d4.jpeg"},{"id":95800542,"identity":"d3b50fc6-01fb-4c9d-bf27-a0fc5f524e12","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-11-13 08:22:50","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":197293,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypes of pesticides used by farmers.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7919296/v1/a1f6d7bc91e2cccd3bbe5950.jpeg"},{"id":97672983,"identity":"519bf131-f4f2-4ff0-a643-fffeadf340e5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-12-08 09:39:11","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":1038408,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7919296/v1/91205d57-a29f-4e57-a41d-575a70f93e18.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Pesticide Use and Related Health Symptoms among Albagar Sudanese Farmers","fulltext":[{"header":"Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eAgriculture is the second largest employment sector globally; however, it is also considered one of the most hazardous occupations (\u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., 2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Pesticides are widely used to enhance agricultural productivity, control pests, and prevent diseases caused by various organisms (Jallow et al., 2017; Abbassy, 2017) [2;3]. Globally, the misuse of pesticides has been identified as a major environmental and public health concern, leading to adverse effects on human health, non-target organisms, and ecosystems (Jeyaratnam, 1990; Pimentel et al., 2013; Lekei et al., 2014) (4;5;6). Improper pesticide application can contaminate water, soil, air, and agricultural products (Arias-Est\u0026eacute;vez et al., 2008; Bedos et al., 2002; Osman et al., 2010) [7;8;9], leading to numerous health complications (Jallow et al., 2017) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. In developing countries, pesticide exposure is exacerbated by unfavorable working conditions and low levels of education among farmers (\u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., 2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. Assessing farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding pesticide use can aid in developing effective training and educational programs to mitigate associated risks (\u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., 2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Materials and methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eStudy design and objectives\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to evaluate farmers\u0026rsquo; knowledge, attitudes and practice regarding the safe use of pesticides, identify health problems associated with pesticide exposure, and assess the safety measures adopted by farmers during pesticide application.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudy area\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted in Albagar farms, located in eastern Nile, Khartoum state, Sudan. The study included 50 farms, each covering an average area of 3\u0026ndash;4 acres.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eData collection\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA structured, closed-ended questionnaire was used for data collection. Additionally, observations were conducted to assess farmers\u0026rsquo; PPE conditions and pesticide storage practices.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eStatistical analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions and percentages, were used for analysis. A confidence interval of 95% was applied, and a p-value of \u0026le;\u0026thinsp;0.05 was considered statistically significant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eA total of 50 farmers participated in the study. The most commonly cultivated crop was tomato (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;76) Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, and the most frequently used pesticide was cypermethrin (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;96). Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e. Among the participants, 28 (56%) had basic education. However, none had received training or educational programs on safe pesticide use \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e Regarding pesticide knowledge, 23 (46%) farmers reported reading the material safety data sheets, while 47 (94%) understood the safety signs on pesticide containers \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e With respect to PPE use, 31 (62%) farmers did not wear any protective equipment during pesticide application \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e While all farmers washed their hands after pesticide application and stored pesticides on their farms, 4 (8%) used empty pesticide containers for storing food \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e Moreover, 42 (84%) and 43 (86%) farmers experienced skin and eye irritation, respectively, following pesticide application \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCharacteristics of spraying pesticide by farmers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCharacter\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDays\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eExposure periods\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u0026ndash;15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u0026ndash;20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmount of pesticide sprayed/pump\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u0026ndash;5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePeriod between sprayed /days\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmers` knowledge toward pesticide\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnowledge about Pesticides\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespond\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRead the Material Safety Data Sheets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNO\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnderstand the safety signs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e94\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse of PPE by farmers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse of PPE\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNO\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRarely (Mask)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eScarf\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMask\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRarely used (scarf)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBoots\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMask and gloves\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMask, gloves and boots\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRarely (mask and scarf)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRarely used (Gloves and mask)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmers` attitudes and the discharge methods of pesticides by farmers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAttitudes/ discharge method\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e%\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHand washing after handling or application\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking shower and washing clothes after application\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing the empty pesticide container for saving food stuff\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eUsing canal running water for washing utensils and cooking (contaminated by pesticides)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThrew pesticide containers away\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e92.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHealth problems reported by farmers following pesticide exposure\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHealth problem\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAge groups\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eX\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edf\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP. value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u0026ndash;40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChronic coughing\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.002\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.960\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.8%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCoughing blood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.180\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.2%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.8%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eskin irritation after application\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.778\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82.8%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDermatitis\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0,52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.473\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.8%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEye irritation after application\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.438\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82.8%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e86.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRecurrent phlegm\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e.047\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.8%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.1%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" morerows=\"1\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c5\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100.0%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eTo our knowledge, this is the first study to assess Sudanese farmers\u0026rsquo; knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding pesticide use and safety measures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCypermethrin was the most commonly used pesticide in this study. According to Ngowi et al. (2007) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e], cypermethrin is an organochlorine pesticide classified as a Class II hazardous substance by the World Health Organization due to its toxicity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn experimental animals, organochlorine pesticides inhibit cholinesterase and pyrethroid insecticides impair the function of peripheral nervous system leading to paralysis, incoordination and convulsions (Soderlund and Bloomquist, 1989) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe awareness of farmers regarding safe pesticide use is closely linked to their education level (\u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., 2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. In our study, 44% of farmers had only primary education, a finding inconsistent with previous studies where a higher percentage of farmers had higher education levels (Yassin et al., 2002; Rostami et al., 2019) [12;13].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, studies conducted in some developing countries by Hurtig et al., (2003) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] Mekonnen and Agonafir (2002) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e], in addition to Zyoud et al., (2010) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] showed opposite results.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe continues training and education programs assist farmers to use pesticide correctly (Oluwole and Cheke, 2009) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e]. Also, insufficient information about the selection and application methods of any pesticides will cause different health problems (Deng et al,. 2019) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNone of the farmers in our study had received formal training on pesticide use, a finding consistent with Kumar et al. (2012) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Similar studies in developing countries also indicate that farmers rely on information from pesticide sellers and neighbors (Lekei et al., 2014; Deng et al., 2019) [6;18].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnderstanding the biohazard sign on any pesticide container and reading the related material data sheet; will aid in proper handling of pesticide (Mandel et al., 2000) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. In our study, despite a significant proportion of farmers understanding safety labels, unsafe handling practices were prevalent, aligning with findings by Ejaz et al., (2004) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHowever, our results are not in accordance with \u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., (2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e], Gaber and Abdel-Latif (2012) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e] and Zyoud et al., (2010) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e], reported. Their results indicated that, 88.6%, 33.0% and 71.4%, of farmers respectively, understood the label on the pesticide container and read the uses instructions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe assume that illiteracy and lack of knowledge about the biohazards of pesticides have been considered as the most important factors for the adoption of self-protective behaviors by farmers. This though is supported by (Blanco-Mu\u0026ntilde;oz and Lacasa\u0026ntilde;a, 2011; Damalas and Hashemi, 2010) [23;24] results.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmers\u0026rsquo; lack of PPE usage and improper application methods are major contributors to pesticide-related health issues (Damalas et al., 2006) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. The quality and availability of PPE significantly impact the level of protection (Oesterlund et al., 2014) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our study, although, less than the half number of farmers (38%) wore PPE during pesticide application, but, theses PPE did not provide sufficient protection because they were not standardized. This finding goes in the same direction with some researchers\u0026rsquo; results.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA study conducted by Oesterlund et al., (2014) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] in Uganda reported that farmers did not use standard PPE; therefore, they experienced toxic poising effect due to pesticide exposure. Also, Lappharat et al., (2014) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e] reported the same findings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurthermore, in some developing countries (Clarke et al., 1997; Yassin et al., 2002) [28;12], in India (Mancini et al. 2005) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e] and in Northern Greece (Damalas et al., 2006) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] farmers did not adopt to use PPE. Furthermore, a study carried out by Oluwole and Cheke, (2009) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e] reported that 88.9% of farmers apply pesticide without the use of any PPE. Also, Khan, (2009) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e] observed that only 6% of Indian farmers wore gloves. In addition, Damalas et al., (2006) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e] reported that 81.0% of farmers did not wear PPE, 2.5% of them did not wear boots, 72.7% of them did not wear gloves and 86.8% of them not did use masks.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur study attributes the non-use of PPE to high costs and unavailability, supported by Lekei et al. (2014) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e], as well as Sudan\u0026rsquo;s hot climate, which discourages PPE use (Clarke et al., 1997) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBathing immediately after the application of pesticides decreases their poisoning effect (\u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., 2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e]. All farmers displayed positive attitudes regarding personal hygiene after pesticide application, aligning with Weng and Black (2015) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e] and Mubushar et al. (2019) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncorrect application of pesticide and unsafe disposal of pesticide containers have damaging effects to agricultural workers and to the environment, especially in developing countries (\u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., 2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our study, farmers showed negative attitudes towards the handling of the empty pesticide containers.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the other side, the methods of discharging the empty pesticide containers in some studies were variable.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u0026Ouml;ztaş et al., study (2018) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e] the discharge of the empty pesticide containers took several forms; 4.3% of farmers took them to special collection bins or centres, 31.0% of them threw them away, 13.6% of them buried them, 41.2% of the farmers burned them and 10.0% of farmers washed and reused them for their daily life activities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlso, Gaber and Abdel-Latif, (2012) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e] observed that 43.0% of farmers reused the empty pesticide containers, 4.0% of them burned them and 53.0% of farmers threw them away.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSimilar findings were reported by Hurtig et al., (2003) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e], their results showed that 16.2% of farmers buried the empty pesticide containers, 18.0% burned them, 68.4% threw them away and 38.7% reused the empty pesticide containers to transport oil.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlso, several studies have reported that pesticide exposure is associated with different health problems such as acute toxicity and chronic diseases (Council On Environmental Health, 2012; Lee et al., 2011; Roberts et al., 2012; Vidi et al., 2017) [33;34;35;36].\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our study, most farmers had skin and eye irritation following pesticide application. These findings match Zyoud et al., (2010) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e], Yassin et al. (2002) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e], Wilaiwan and Siriwong, (2014) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e] results, in which farmers had skin, eye and face irritation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe assume that the non-use of PPE or the use of non-standard PPE is associated with the reported health problems. This assumption agrees with Lekei et al., (2014) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e] findings.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt the level of our study, we think that farmers age, their education level and the negative attitudes of towards the use of empty pesticide containers are the main predisposing factors to the harmful effect of occupational pesticide exposure.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Conclusion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study highlights the need for continuous training and educational programs to improve farmers' awareness and knowledge of safe pesticide handling.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Abbreviations","content":"\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionList\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003ePPE\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003epersonal protective equipment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"DefinitionListEntry\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Term\"\u003en\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"Description\"\u003e\u003cp\u003enumber\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eFunding\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis work has received no fund.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to the study conception and design. The current study was supervised by [Samah Abd-Elrahim Batran] and co-supervised by [Yosef Mohamed-Azzam Zakout]. Material preparation, data collection and analysis were performed by [Alrufaai Musa Ahmed Aldekhery], [Yousra Waheedaldin Jamal Ali], [Hanan Mohammed Sulieman Abdelrahman] and [Hidaya Osman Elzubeir Mohammed Ali]. The first draft of the manuscript was written by [Samah Abd-Elrahim Batran] and revised by [Yosef Mohamed-Azzam Zakout]. In addition, all authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthors are thankful to all farmers who participated in this study for their cooperation during data collection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDeclarations\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll of the current research ethics were in accordance with declaration of Helsinki.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study was approved by the department of histopathology and cytology committee, and from the research ethical committee at FMLS, U of K. Also, an oral approval consent was obtained from the agricultural director office, Alalafoon, Cottage. In addition, an informed oral and written consent was obtained from each participant.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe data of the current study are available upon request from the corresponding author.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbbassy, M. M. \u0026amp; Saleh Farmer\u0026rsquo;s Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices, and Their Exposure to Pesticide Residues after Application on the Vegetable and Fruit Crops. Case Study: North of Delta. \u003cem\u003eEgypt J. Anal. Toxicol.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e7\u003c/b\u003e, 1\u0026ndash;6. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.4172/2161-0525.1000510\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.4172/2161-0525.1000510\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e (2017).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAndr\u0026eacute;a, M. 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Med.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e15\u003c/b\u003e, 252\u0026ndash;261. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.1007/s12199-010-0136-3\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.1007/s12199-010-0136-3\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e (2010).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Agriculture, farmers, pesticides, knowledge, attitudes, personal protective equipment","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7919296/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7919296/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003ch2\u003eObjectives\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study aimed to assess farmers\u0026rsquo; knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding pesticide use and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as the health issues associated with exposure and improper handling.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eMethods\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResults\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe results showed that none of the participants were aware of the biohazards associated with pesticide exposure, proper application methods, appropriate post-application practices, or the safe disposal of empty pesticide containers. Consequently, farmers experienced various health issues following pesticide use.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eConclusion\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eContinuous education and training programs are essential to increase farmers\u0026rsquo; awareness of pesticide-related biohazards, correct application methods, and proper disposal techniques.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Pesticide Use and Related Health Symptoms among Albagar Sudanese Farmers","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-12 02:20:09","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7919296/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"23a31b4c-9c8f-4cde-bb38-2565f92bc3c3","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 12th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[{"id":57689478,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental sciences"},{"id":57689479,"name":"Health sciences/Health occupations"},{"id":57689480,"name":"Health sciences/Risk factors"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-12-06T05:08:30+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-12 02:20:09","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7919296","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7919296","identity":"rs-7919296","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}