The knowledge, attitude and applications of the farmers on safe use of pesticides in Adiyaman city center and the effect of the training provided

Aim: The purpose of this study is determining the knowledge of the farmers on the effects of pesticides, their ways of entering the body, toxic symptoms, and protective equipment; and examining their attitudes and applications towards pesticides. It was also aimed to assess the efficiency of the training provided to the farmers on safe use of pesticides. Material and Method: The study was conducted in two stages. In the first stage, a cross-sectional study was applied. 384 of those were contacted in this study universe. The second stage of the study was an empirical study including a pre-test post-test application with a control design. In this stage, 80 farmers were included in the study. Results: 54.6% of the farmers were primary school graduates and the mean age was 51.16±1.26. They had been farming for 28.29±12.8 years in average. It was also determined that 45.6% of them used gloves sometimes; and 46.6% (nearly half) of them used masks during application, although not regularly; they used boots at a rate of 73.4%, and protective suit at a rate of 80.7%, which is a great rate. Statistically significant increases were determined in the knowledge points and applications of the farmers, who were in the Study Group, when compared with the Control Group and with the pre-training and post-training values (p<0.01). Conclusion: It was determined that although the farmers had sufficient knowledge on safe use of pesticides, their practices did not reflect this. Significant changes may be obtained in the conscious and applicable behaviors of the farmers with the training provided. It may be recommended that these trainings must be conducted regularly by responsible institutions. Key Words: Adıyaman, farmer, pesticide.