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Table 3. Proportion of workers using preventive measures when handling pesticides
according to amount of training.
Proportion using protective measures (%)
Sex Training Full Incomplete None
Male Yes (n = 86) 43.0 27.9 29.1
Training and education
The effectiveness of training is obvious (Table 3). In the village, the advice of
"barefoot" doctors is easily accepted. Farmers dealing with toxic pesticides
are frequently reminded by health workers of the fundamental principle that
health cannot be given by others, but can only be attained through one's own
efforts. This is equally true in the prevention of acute pesticide poisoning.
Early detection and treatment of
pesticide intoxication
Rural doctors in the village infirmaries play an important role in supervising
the safe use of pesticides by providing pre- and postexposure check-ups,
giving instructions on precautions for avoiding poisoning, etc. When a case of
pesticide intoxication does occur, rural doctors are on the front line with the
patient. During their evening rounds, they are in the village seeking possible
patients and providing early detection and diagnosis as part of their routine
work. They provide first aid and treatment. Mild cases are usually kept at
home and visited by the rural doctors. Patients suffering intoxication of
intermediate severity are kept at the observation room in the infirmary for
therapy. More severe cases are referred and accompanied to the township
hospital. Reduction in the death rate is mainly due to the quick and efficient
emergency treatment by "barefoot" doctors.
Other measures
No (ii = 206) 20.9 37.9 41.3
Female Yes (n=11) 91.0 9.1 0.0
No (n = 91) 7.7 51.6 40.7
Other preventive measures occur at the national level. They include legislation,
registration and regulation of pesticides, inspection of pesticide factories,
and monitoring special and long-term effects.
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