title: Design of risk communication strategies based on risk perception among farmers exposed to pesticides in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This study aims to assess pesticide exposure risk perception among farmers from three rural areas of Nova Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 66 adults and participatory workshops with 27 teenagers and analyzed through content analysis techniques. Systematized results were discussed at local meetings, and two risk communication initiatives were devised.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Study results demonstrated the use of defensive strategies by men and a diminished risk perception among women. Teenagers relied on parents to develop their own work practices. These findings supported the importance of cultural and social determinants of farmers' understandings of risk and of the relevance of different pesticide exposure pathways.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Risk perceptions and work practices are strongly influenced by local cultural patterns and, therefore, must be taken into account when developing effective intervention strategies, including risk communication initiatives.
authors.affiliation: Center for Studies in Workers Health and Human Ecology, National School of Public Health, The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. fperes@fiocruz.br
authors.forename: Frederico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Peres
authors.forename: Karla Meneses
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Rodrigues
authors.forename: Mariana Soares
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: da Silva Peixoto Belo
authors.forename: Josino Costa
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Moreira
authors.forename: Luz
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Claudio
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000383:Agriculture; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D003142:Communication; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010465:Perception; D010575:Pesticides / Q000009:adverse effects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012134:Respiratory Protective Devices; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012424:Rural Population; D012737:Sex Factors
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides