Alexandra Peirce, Ying-Jen Lin, Angela Fagerlin, Michele Heisler, Helen Levy, Jeffrey Kullgren
Evaluating a novel online behavioural intervention to encourage cost-conscious strategies among US adults with chronic conditions who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan: a proof-of-concept pilot study
BMJ open
agriculture contributes third rwandas gdp main source income rural households 80 total population involved crop andor livestock production government rwanda established muvumba rice project 2011 amidst policy shift towards rice national staple crop however indiscriminate use pesticides local lowincome rice growers raised concerns potential human animal ecosystem health impacts pesticide distribution application strictly regulated although pesticide use directly influence farmer health ecosystems little known smallscale farmers pesticide application practices knowledge aimed assess local application practices understanding pesticides identify gaps farmers knowledge safe pesticide use deviations established standards recommended practices conducted crosssectional study consisting observations pesticide practices interviews 206 smallscale rice growers nyagatare district rwanda march 2017 descriptive statistical analyses sample means standard deviation range performed evaluated association farmers personal protective equipment ppe use education level literacy status 95 observed farmers comply minimum standards safe pesticide use 80 respondents reported stored pesticides homes without personal protection measures education literacy level significantly associated ppe use additionally 90 respondents experienced adverse health effects using pesticides including intense headache dizziness stomach cramps skin pain itching respiratory distress respondents also reported animals around rice scheme cattle birds fish behaving abnormally signs consistent pesticide exposure six months preceding study may linked pesticidecontaminated water study demonstrates potential high exposure pesticides farmers families animals sharing ricegrowing downstream environments points need training safe effective pesticide use