Consumers’ knowledge, attitude, and risk perception of pesticide residues and factors associated with health risk perception of consumers in selected districts of Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia

Pesticide residues (PR) in vegetables pose potential health risks. In Ethiopia, smallholder farmers depend on vegetable production for income and food security, yet consumer awareness and safety practices regarding PR are poorly understood. This study, therefore, aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, risk perception, and consumer safety practices related to PR in vegetables and to identify factors associated with risk perception among households in the Jimma Zone. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2024 among 468 households in three Jimma Zone districts (Gomma, Dedo, and Seka Chokorsa). Participants were randomly and proportionally selected from each kebele. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed with descriptive statistics to summarize socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The outcome variable, risk perception of vegetable pesticide residues, was measured with Likert-scale items and categorized as low or high. The associations between independent variables and risk perception were examined with bivariate analysis. Variables with p < 0.25 were entered into a multivariable binary logistic regression to identify independent predictors of high-risk perception. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Model fit was assessed with the Hosmer-Lemeshow test. The study found that 76.3% of participants had good knowledge about pesticide residues, while 52.8% had high-risk perceptions, 59.2% showed positive attitudes, and 50.9% practiced safe preventive behaviors. Multivariable analysis showed that respondents earning ≤ 5,000 ETB per month were 1.53 times more likely to perceive low risk [AOR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.04–2.25], and those with negative attitudes toward PR were 3.58 times more likely to perceive low risk [AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 2.41–5.30]; socio-demographics, knowledge, and consumer practices were not significant predictors. Strengthening positive attitudes and supporting vulnerable groups through targeted programs could improve safe practices, protect public health, and enhance food safety.