title: Is gender a risk factor for pesticide intoxications among farmers in Bolivia? A cross-sectional study.
abstract: This study compares gender differences regarding knowledge, practice, and symptoms of intoxication when handling pesticides in farming. Data were gathered in La Paz County, Bolivia, in 2008 and 2009. Poor knowledge on safe handling, hazardous working practices, and use of very toxic pesticides were seen. Being a female and having a low educational level were risk factors for "poor knowledge on pesticides" and a "risky behavior when handling pesticides." Females reported more symptoms of intoxication. The gender differences on knowledge and handling practices might explain why females report more symptoms. To minimize this gap, education and agricultural services should be made more accessible to female farmers in Bolivia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. erikjoers@ouh.regionsyddanmark.dk
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Jørs
authors.forename: Jasmin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hay-Younes
authors.forename: Madelaine A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Condarco
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Condarco
authors.forename: Rafael
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Cervantes
authors.forename: Omar
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Huici
authors.forename: Jesper
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bælum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001838:Bolivia; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010575:Pesticides / Q000506:poisoning / Q000633:toxicity*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population
chemical_list: D010575:Pesticides