Knowledge, Attitude, and Behaviour of Iranian Pistachio Farmers about the Environmental Aspects of Pesticide Use, 2017-18

Introduction: The use of pesticides has a significant negative effect on human health. The present study aims to assess pistachio farmers’ knowledge, attitude, and behaviour concerning the environmental effects of using pesticides. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 140 rural pistachio farmers of Rafsanjan City, Southern Iran, during the period from 2017 to 2018. Data were collected using a questionnaire with the variables of knowledge, attitude, and behaviour, with the validity and reliability of which having been confirmed. After data collection, the data were analysed by SPSS 16.0 using the statistical independent t-test, a one-way ANOVA, and the Pearson’s correlation test. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The results showed that there were statistically significant differences (P< 0.05) in the knowledge and attitude level of the research samples upon an increase in the level of literacy between those who participated in the training classes on health and safety principles during the spraying period and those who had not been trained at all. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between the knowledge score of the samples, for health items, and adherence to safety principles during the spraying period in terms of age, work experience, spraying history, and the area under cultivation among the research samples (P> 0.05). Conclusion: It is suggested that training sessions be held continuously on health issues as well as compliance with safety principles during the spraying period by professionals for all farmers to enhance their level of knowledge and attitude.