Assessing Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Tobacco Cultivators Regarding Their Health Hazards: A Study on Kushtia District

Abstract Background and aims: Tobacco farming is common in Bangladesh, particularly in Kushtia district, but it's harmful to farmers' health. This study looks at what tobacco farmers know, think, and do about their health. The findings will help create targeted interventions to improve their well-being. Methods: A survey was conducted among 300 tobacco farmers in Kushtia Sadar, Mirpur, and Daulatpur upazilas, including 214 males (71.3%) and 86 females (28.7%). Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were performed using SPSS version 27 and Microsoft Excel version 19. Results: The study found that 71.3% of tobacco farmers were men, and 38% had no formal education. Health problems were common, with 33% reporting allergies, 32% suffering from coughs and breathing issues, and 24% experiencing headaches. While 73.3% recognized the harmful effects of pesticides, only 59.3% were aware of the risks of handling tobacco leaves, and 40.7% acknowledged serious health risks from tobacco farming. Correlation analysis showed education level positively correlated with reporting physical health problems (r = 0.181, p < 0.01). Physical health problems also correlated with acknowledging pesticide risks (r = 0.230, p < 0.01) and concerns about long-term health effects (r = -0.240, p < 0.01). Conclusion: In summary, this study highlights the need for targeted intervention to enhance knowledge and safer farming techniques, while also advocating for measures to protect farmers' health and promote sustainable practices in the tobacco sector. Keywords: Knowledge, Tobacco Cultivators, Health Hazards.