An investigation into the knowledge and practices of pesticides use and exposure by pest control officers in a municipality in South Africa
1
Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A3531
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Pest control officers use and apply pesticides to control and manage pests in settings such as residential areas and government properties. Studies show that when not properly handled, pesticides can cause harm to both humans and the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of the use of pesticides and exposure by pest control officers at Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, South Africa.
METHODS:
The municipality has a pest control unit with 15 pest control officers servicing the entire district which were selected using purposive sampling, based on their function. The study followed a survey approach using a structured questionnaire completed by pest control officers at the municipality. Quantitative data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences software version 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS:
Pest control officers with relevant qualifications were approximately 7.56 times more likely to be knowledgeable about working with pesticides compared to those without qualifications. The study found 33.3% of respondents had 1-5 years working experience, 40% had 6-10 years’ experience, 20% had 11-15 years’ experience, and 6.7% had 16-20 years working experience. Those with 6-10 years’ work experience had 21% higher odds of being an exposed case and those with 11-15 years had 41% lower odds of being an exposed case.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study found association between knowledge and practices of pesticides usage related to pesticide safety and handling among respondents, emphasizing areas where further training and awareness may be beneficial, particularly regarding proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The findings demonstrated the value of quantitative approaches in comprehending pesticide exposure by shedding light on the distribution of exposure levels by work experience, and credentials. Future studies could concentrate on addressing obstacles to adopting safe practices, such as accessibility, and possible discomfort of PPE.
Pest control officers use and apply pesticides to control and manage pests in settings such as residential areas and government properties. Studies show that when not properly handled, pesticides can cause harm to both humans and the environment. The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge and practices of the use of pesticides and exposure by pest control officers at Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Municipality, South Africa.
METHODS:
The municipality has a pest control unit with 15 pest control officers servicing the entire district which were selected using purposive sampling, based on their function. The study followed a survey approach using a structured questionnaire completed by pest control officers at the municipality. Quantitative data was analysed using statistical package for social sciences software version 25 for descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS:
Pest control officers with relevant qualifications were approximately 7.56 times more likely to be knowledgeable about working with pesticides compared to those without qualifications. The study found 33.3% of respondents had 1-5 years working experience, 40% had 6-10 years’ experience, 20% had 11-15 years’ experience, and 6.7% had 16-20 years working experience. Those with 6-10 years’ work experience had 21% higher odds of being an exposed case and those with 11-15 years had 41% lower odds of being an exposed case.
CONCLUSIONS:
The study found association between knowledge and practices of pesticides usage related to pesticide safety and handling among respondents, emphasizing areas where further training and awareness may be beneficial, particularly regarding proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The findings demonstrated the value of quantitative approaches in comprehending pesticide exposure by shedding light on the distribution of exposure levels by work experience, and credentials. Future studies could concentrate on addressing obstacles to adopting safe practices, such as accessibility, and possible discomfort of PPE.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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