Abstract
Background The study was done in three villages in Nueva
Ecija, Philippines. It surveys farmers’ belief system and pesticide
practices relative to health and safety.
Methods Initially it used a simulated market study on willingness
to pay for personal protective equipment in the
form of gloves and masks. Then a combination of semistructured,
formal, informal, and key-informant interviews,
as well as focus groups, and field observations was done
intermittently in a span of approximately 12 years.
Results The farmers perceive illness in terms of inability
to function. Pesticide to them may not be a threat because
(i) they are immune, (ii) it is regarded as a medicine that is
needed by the plants rather than poison, and (iii) exposure
is only through inhalation and ingestion not through dermal
contact. Added to that, they put value on pasma, and
try to prevent it at the cost of exposure to pesticides. These
perceptions lead to their practices showing inadequate
protection.
Conclusion There is the need for more health education
programs that tap farmers’ belief system and cognitive categories
to stress the need for precautions.
Keywords: illness, pasma, personal protective equipment,
pesticides