J Agric Med Community Health.  2021 Jun;46(2):78-88. 10.5393/JAMCH.2021.46.2.078.

Association between Perceived Susceptibility to Fine Dust Exposure and Wearing Masks, Attitude toward Respiratory Disease Prevention Education in Farmers

• Jung H
• Lee Y
• Lee S
• Han J
• Kim Y
• Lee SJ

• KMID: 2526045
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5393/JAMCH.2021.46.2.078

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to investigate health risk awareness pertaining to fine dust exposure and the use of face masks in farmers, as well as their attitude toward education regarding fine dust-related respiratory disease prevention.
Methods
In total, 295 farmers were interviewed in a survey using a structured questionnaire to obtain data on general characteristics, farming-related characteristics, health risk awareness pertaining to fine dust exposure, attitude toward education on fine dust-related respiratory disease prevention and the use of face masks. This study was analyzed the correlation between the perceived susceptibility to fine dust exposure and willingness to participate in education on fine dust-related respiratory disease prevention.
Results
The mean score for perceived susceptibility to fine dust exposure was 3.8 (out of 5), and the participants were highly willing to receive education on fine dust-related respiratory disease prevention. In Multiple response analysis of reactions to exposure to fine dust generated during work, 221 participants responded that they practiced at least one preventive action; participants gave a positive response to "wearing masks" (56.1%), "personal hygiene, such as hand washing." (52.9%). In terms of education methods, 94 (33.6%) participants preferred to learn online or via text messages.
Conclusions
The significant correlation between the perceived susceptibility to fine dust exposure and willingness to participate in education on fine dust-related respiratory disease prevention shows the importance of promoting education on prevention. The results of this study can help understand as reference for education on fine dust-related respiratory disease prevention.

Keyword

Dust; Susceptibility; Health education; Agriculture