Safety Behaviors related to Health and its Perceived Environmental Factors among Greenhouse Spray Workers, Jiroft, Iran

In spite of the apparently high enhancement in production of agricultural products by application of pesticides, these substances cause inevitable effects on human health and environment. Therefore, the present research aimed to study the safety behaviors related to health and its perceived environmental factors among greenhouse spray workers of Jiroft, Iran. This cross sectional study with a descriptive- correlation approach was conducted on 229 spray workers of Jiroft greenhouses. Proportional stratified random sampling was applied for data collection. Data (obtained by a researcher-made questionnaire) included demographic variables, behavioral factors affecting workers’ health, and its perceived environmental factors. The questionnaire’s validity and reliability were confirmed. Data were then analyzed by SPSS software 24, descriptive, and analytical tests were further carried out in the significance level of 0.05. The most protective equipment was glove (16.6%, always option). Regarding protective and health principles, washing face and hands after spray was the most frequently used behavior (86%). Numbers of greenhouse workers with spray as their main job. Application of safety equipment which prevents the occurrence of hazards through skin contact and breathing were underutilized. Observance of important behaviors such as not spilling pesticide residuals in the environment as well as paying attention to notifications and recommendations on pesticides’ labels had low percentage. Therefore, conducting educational interventions and promoting social health are recommended to prevent health problems in spray workers, their family members, and others, environment, as well as users of greenhouse crops.

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