Global Advanced Research Journal of Agricultural Science (GARJAS) ISSN: 2315-5094
October 2015 Vol. 4(10): pp. 735-740
Copyright © 2015 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Development of Communication Program to Reduce the Pesticides Exposure among School Children in Highland Agricultural Communities, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand

Hongsibsong, S^a., Pakvilai, N.^b,  Kamkerd^c, P.^c, Prapamontol, T^a.,  and Kerdnoi, T^a.

^aEnvironment and Health Research Unit, Research Institute for Health Sciences (RIHES),Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

^b Environmental Science Program, Faculty of Science and Technology,Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University,Pathum Thani 13180, Thailand.

^cThe Royal Project Foundation, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand.

*Corresponding Author’s Email: tanyaporn.k@cmu.ac.th;  Tel: +6653942508.

Accepted 26 October, 2015

Abstract

Many ethnic tribes living in the highlands of Thailand mainly composed of agricultural chemicals on farm workers. The present study was to focuses on the health of children, as they are likely to be exposed to pesticides in their environment. The purpose of present study was to develop a communications program to reduce the negative effects of exposure to pesticides of schoolchildren. Two ethnic hill tribe groups were studied.  There were Hmong (50.5%) and Karen (43.9%) covered 198 children, aged range 11-12 years, the research consists of studying the life of their family, screening on expose to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides by using enzyme cholinesterase tested in finger blood plasma. The school children were assessed of knowledge, learning activities and an evaluation. The study found, almost students take help families when their work both in the field and/or at-home. The cholinesterase screening test found 52.9% were exposed to organophosphate and carbamate pesticides at levels unsafe. Learning programs that have been developed and applied in the context of lifestyle related. Short and clear message about pesticides and their toxicity had been developed and transmitted to children through learning how to act. It was found that the answers five questions related to the knowledge about the health effects of pesticides and the environment has changed. In addition, children are encouraged to present their understanding of the knowledge acquired their new show by drawing posters moppets and maintenance of notebooks.

Keywords:  Learning model, pesticides, school children, highland agricultural community, Chiang Mai, hill tribes.