Factors associated with personal protective equipment use among pesticide handlers in Mwea irrigation Scheme, Kenya

Background: Pesticide use among small scale rice farmers has drastically increased over time globally. Evidence shows that majority of pesticide handlers do not regard PPE during application, hence low compliance. Methods: This study explored factors associated with in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kenya. The was cross-sectional involving 246 respondents. Results: There level none using full and only 25.2% 4-6 items out 7 possible items. most used were trousers (74.4%), long-sleeved shirt/jacket (65.9%) hat (60.6%). least worn gumboots (1.6%), gloves (2.8%) goggles (9.8%). Chi- square tests independence revealed sex, age, crop ownership, safety training, application experience, knowledge, attitude towards use, perceived environmental health risk Perceived importance significantly use. However, education, land tenure status size the farm found to have any association Conclusions: results provide insights for future interventions inform focus areas by enforcement agencies policy developers. More training on will enhance compliance promote handlers’ health.