title: Knowledge and practices of in-home pesticide use: a community survey in Uganda.
abstract: Many communities in low-income countries use in-home pesticides for the control of pests. Such use is often inadequately controlled. In this study, 100 households in Kireka ward, Wakiso district in Uganda were involved in a cross-sectional survey to assess pests, knowledge, and use patterns of pesticides. A structured pretested questionnaire was administered via personal interviews, and observational checklists were used. Mosquitoes were the most prevalent pests (83%), followed by cockroaches (69%) and rats (52%). Pesticides were the most preferred method for pest control (98%), with insecticide spray being the most common form of application (71.4%). Pesticide application was inappropriately done in many households mainly due to inadequate knowledge on use. Only 48% of the respondents read manufacturer's instructions for use. Information on what pesticide to use was obtained from friends (53.1%), points of sales (48%). Educational interventions particularly at points of sale would be a critical avenue for promoting safe use of pesticides in households.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Nalwanga
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Ssempebwa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006798:Housing; D006801:Humans; D007313:Insecta; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010571:Pest Control / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D010575:Pesticides; D051381:Rats; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014454:Uganda; D014505:Urban Population; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides