Safe Storage of Pesticides in Sri Lanka
Author Information
Author(s): Weerasinghe Manjula, Pieris Ravi, Eddleston Michael, Hoek Wim van der, Dawson Andrew, Konradsen Flemming
Primary Institution: South Asian Clinical Toxicology Research Collaboration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
Hypothesis
What design features influence community acceptance and use of safe storage devices for pesticides?
Conclusion
The study confirms high community acceptance of lockable storage devices, but usage decreased over time, raising concerns about accessibility to pesticides.
Supporting Evidence
- 55% of households stored pesticides locked in the provided device after 24 months.
- 68% of households stored all pesticides in a locked device after 7 months.
- Community feedback indicated preferences for in-field storage to reduce self-poisoning risks.
Takeaway
This study shows that people in Sri Lanka like using special locked boxes to store pesticides, but over time, fewer people keep their pesticides locked up.
Methodology
The study involved distributing safe storage devices to randomly selected households and conducting follow-up surveys to assess usage and gather feedback.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the research team being all male, which may have affected the responses from female participants.
Limitations
The study's results may have been influenced by seasonal variations and the gender of the research team members.
Participant Demographics
Participants were from four farming villages in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, primarily involved in agriculture.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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