Sri Fajar Ayu

Self Determined Plan to Reduce The Risk of Pesticide Tocixity in Karo

Farmers in Desa Gajah, Simpang Empat Subdistrict, Karo, use pesticide to protect their crop from pests and diseases. Poor self-determined pland to reduce the risk of pesticide toxicity among farmers ruined the safe usage of the pesticide. This conditions warrants further research on the usage of personal protective equipment and the level of cholinesterase in the farmers’ blood. These findings will assist in the development of a self-determined plan to reduce or minimize the risk of pesticide toxicity among the farmers. A total of 75 respondents were interviewed and their blood samples were taken. Almost all the respondents did not use complete personal protective equipment and majority have poor awareness of their health status. The results of the study also showed significant association between the farmers’ selfmanagement to reduce pesticide toxicity which include partial or complete usage of personal protective equipment, and cholinesterase level in the blood. Positive correlation among the two shows that usage of complete personal protective equipment can protect the farmers from the risk of pesticide toxicity indicated by a reduction in cholinesterase level. To ensure the health of the farmers, the usage of complete personal protective equipment must be prioritized rather than having and using the pesticide. Therefore, farmers should practice safe self-detremined plan before using pesticide and be aware of the effect on their health status through the usage of complete personal protective equipment.