Hubungan Perilaku dalam Penataan Pestisida dan Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) dengan Keluhan Kesehatan pada Penjual Pestisida Kabupaten Labuhanbatu Utara

Abstract

Pesticides are toxic substances that need to be managed effectively not only by farmers but also by those working in pesticide stores. Poor management of pesticides in these stores can lead to environmental contamination and health issues. Health problems caused by pesticides can result from improper pesticide handling and inadequate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between pesticide handling behaviors and the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with health complaints among pesticide sellers in North Labuhanbatu District. This descriptive analytic study utilized a cross-sectional design with a sample size of 55 individuals. The findings revealed that the behaviors of sellers, including knowledge (54.5%), attitudes (89.1%), and practices (50.9%), were categorized as good. However, complete use of PPE was low (3.6%). Statistical analysis using Chi-square indicated that variables such as knowledge (p=0.009) and practices (p=0.001) were significantly associated with health complaints among pesticide sellers, whereas attitudes (p=1) and the use of PPE (p=0.053) showed no significant association. Most workers reported experiencing health complaints (76.4%), with the most common being coughing (56.4%) and headaches (54.5%). It is recommended to improve pesticide handling practices and the use of PPE to prevent health complaints when working in pesticide stores. This effort could enhance work productivity, and relevant agencies should provide education or training to pesticide store workers on proper pesticide handling, appropriate use of PPE, and mitigating the negative impacts of pesticide hazards