Assessing pesticide handling practices and predictors among farm workers in Awi zonal administration using health belief model

Pesticides are essential for controlling pests and enhancing agricultural productivity; however, their misuse poses significant health risks to rural farm workers, particularly in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). This study explores the factors influencing farmers' intentions to adopt safe pesticide handling practices in Awi Zone of northwest Ethiopia, utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM) as a framework. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2024 in Awi Zone, involving 603 participants selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using the KoboCollect toolbox and exported to SPSS version-23 for analysis. Both bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses performed to identify factors related to pesticide handling practices, and we are Implemented the (HBM) to evaluate behavioral influences on farmers' intentions to adopt safe pesticide handling practices. The study found that 40.6% of farm workers were practice safe handling of pesticide. The factors included education level, with farmers who had primary education or higher being 1.97 times more likely to practice safe handling (OR = 1.97, 95% CI (1.33, 2.9)) compared to illiterate farmers. Those with easy access to safety materials were 1.82 times more likely to practice safe handling (OR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.24, 2.67)). Additionally, farm workers participating in workshops were also 1.97 times more likely to practice safe handling (OR = 1.97, 95% CI (1.33, 2.9)), and those with good knowledge were 1.73 times more likely to do so (OR = 1.73, 95% CI (1.2, 2.5)) from their counterparts. Moreover, HBM components were significant predictors of farm workers intention on safe handling practice. From this, Perceived benefit and cue to action had positive whereas perceived barrier had a negative relation with their intention. Safe handling practices among farmers in the study area were found to be low. Thus, it is crucial to emphasize education and training, ensure easy access to safety materials, and enhance knowledge to promote safe practices. Additionally, focusing on perceived benefits and cues to action while addressing perceived barriers, as per the Health Belief Model, is essential. Targeted interventions and regulatory enhancements are necessary for effectively improving safety practices among farmers.