Factors associated with Health Impact of Agricultural Chemical Use among Farmers in Pong Yaeng Subdistrict, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province.

Abstract

This study aimed to: 1) assess the health impacts of agricultural chemical use among farmers and 2) examine factors associated with these health impacts. This research employed a cross-sectional survey design. The sample consisted of 280 registered crop farmers in Pong Yaeng Subdistrict. The sample size was determined using the formula proposed by Krejcie and Morgan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation, were used to analyze the data, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationships between variables. The results revealed that the overall health impacts of agricultural chemical use among farmers were at a moderate level (Mean = 2.11, S.D. = 0.14). When considering each dimension, the social dimension had the highest mean score (Mean = 2.26, S.D. = 0.26), followed by the mental and spiritual dimensions (Mean = 2.10, S.D. = 0.25), and the physical dimension (Mean = 1.98, S.D. = 0.22). Regarding factors associated with health impacts, the number of household members (r = -0.13, p = 0.03), the number of agricultural laborers in the household (r = -0.22, p < 0.01), and farmers’ attitudes (r = -0.27, p < 0.01) were negatively correlated with health impacts at a statistically significant level. The findings indicate that farmers still experience moderate health impacts from agricultural chemical use. Therefore, relevant agencies should promote appropriate knowledge and attitudes regarding the safe use of agricultural chemicals to reduce long-term health risks among farmers.