Effect of Educational Program on Prevention of Pesticides Hazards among Children Working in Agriculture

Background: A child's exposure to pesticides is widely acknowledged as a threat to the physical well-being of children and the environment. The research aimed to evaluate the effect of educational programs on the prevention of pesticide hazards among children working in agriculture. Design: Quasi-experimental design (study group only, pre/ post/ follow up- test) was used in this study. Setting: This study was conducted at Al Qassasin Al Kadima preparatory school. The study sample: convenient sample (97 Children) selected from preparatory school students working in agriculture. Tools: Tool (1): Children working in agriculture assessment structured interview questionnaire. Tool (2): An observational checklist for children working in agriculture. Results: there was a statistically significant relationship between socio-demographic data of children working in agriculture as gender, hours working per day and their mean scores of knowledge, and practice in post-test and follow-up phases at p<0.001. Also, there was a statistically significant correlation (P=0.041*) between their total mean scores of knowledge and practice throughout the post and follow-up phases. Also, there was a statistically significant correlation between their total mean scores of knowledge and attitude throughout the post phases. Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and practice of children working in agriculture about pesticides had shown high improvement as compared to the pre-program test. Recommendation: Organizing workshops and school activities such as drama plays, painting, and games about pesticides and their dangers with each agricultural cycle in schools located in rural areas to raise health awareness among children working in agriculture and their parents.