Analysis of protective behavior of Khoram Abad Township farmers in pesticide use: Applying health belief model

A large number of farmers exposed to pesticides in a long time and consequently, acute and chronic health problems created for them. Therefore, to avoid the negative effects on farmer's health, serious attention must be paid to the adoption of protective measures by farmers. The Health Belief Model is one of the most functional model of behavior for the prevention and control of diseases. Therefore, this study carried out to assess constructs of the health belief model in adopting protective behaviors of farmers in use of pesticides. The population of the study consisted of farmers in Khoram Abad Township. According to Krejcie & Morgan table, the sample size was determined 375 farmers. A questionnaire used to collect data. To analyze the data structural equation modeling used, applying AMOS24. The results showed that knowledge, perceived susceptibility, perceived barriers and self-efficacy effected protective behaviors of farmers in the use of pesticides. Perceived barriers and awareness had the most direct effect on adopt protective behaviors of farmers. So, it is recommended to plann based on the health belief model with emphasis on reducing barriers and increasing knowledge, to improve protective behaviors of farmers.