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TITLE BEHAVIOR OF CHEMICAL APPLICATION IN ORCHID FARMS ON CHILD HEALTH
AUTHOR OLARN CHANKHAM
DEGREE MASTER OF ARTS PROGRAM IN POPULATION AND SOCIAL RESEARCH
FACULTY INSTITUTE FOR POPULATION AND SOCIAL RESEARCH
ADVISOR SUREEPORN PUNPUING
CO-ADVISOR AREE PROHMMO
 
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships between orchid farmers’ behavior of chemical application and children’s health. In this study, children were defined as those aged below 10 years old. This study is partly based on data of a research titled “Population Pressure, Utilization of Chemicals in Agriculture, Health Outcomes: An Integrated Solid Waste Management in Peri urban Agricultural Sector”. The study area was in Nongkhem district, Bangkok. In addition, a survey of 81 children living in orchid/non-orchid farming households was conducted. There were 15 child care-takers, who live in orchid/non-orchid households with/or without children who were in-depth interviewed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and content analysis were employed. It is found that heads of the orchid farming households without children are more cautious about chemical substance storage than those with children. However, storages are located in the house, where high temperatures can cause evaporation and vapor. Both children and adults have chances to inhale chemical vapor. Household heads with children have higher awareness of chemical mixing and disposal of chemical containers than those without children. In the study, all sprayers have accurate knowledge on chemical spraying, accounting for wind. About 14 percent of subjects in this study have problems related to chemical substances. Nine children who live in non-orchid farming households have allergies, one child has a heart disease and another child gets a rash. It is important to note that the children’s houses are located close to orchid plantations. On the contrary, children from orchid farming households are found in a better health. These findings suggest that 1) households with children need to increase awareness and cautions on the behavior of chemical application, 2) non-orchid farm households have to protect their children from chemicals dispersed from the orchid farm households, and 3) all related agencies, particularly agricultural and public health officers, community leaders, students and teachers have to provide knowledge on the impact of chemical use in orchid farms on children health.
KEYWORD BEHAVIOR / CHEMICAL APPLICATION / ORCHID FARMS / CHILD HEALTH / BANGKOK
 
FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES. MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY. THAILAND
POWERED BY GITC.