Citation

Jørs E, Hay-Younes J, Condarco MA, Condarco G, Cervantes R, Huici O, Bælum J. J. Agromed. 2013; 18(2): 132-139.

Affiliation

Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine , Odense University Hospital , Odense , Denmark.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/1059924X.2013.767102

PMID

23540304

Abstract

This study compares gender differences regarding knowledge, practice, and symptoms of intoxication when handling pesticides in farming. Data were gathered in La Paz County, Bolivia, in 2008 and 2009. Poor knowledge on safe handling, hazardous working practices, and use of very toxic pesticides were seen. Being a female and having a low educational level were risk factors for "poor knowledge on pesticides" and a "risky behavior when handling pesticides." Females reported more symptoms of intoxication. The gender differences on knowledge and handling practices might explain why females report more symptoms. To minimize this gap, education and agricultural services should be made more accessible to female farmers in Bolivia.

Language: en