An Education Intervention Program for Prevention for Occupational Illness on Agricultural Workers
Author: Ferguson, Kristi
Date Published: 1989
This study assessed attitudes, knowledge and behavior related to respiratory health among 198 swine confinement operators, half of whom were assigned to an educational intervention and half of whom served as controls. The project identified significant gaps in knowledge regarding the swine confinement environment arid the hazards posed by working in such an environment. Attitudes toward improving the environment were generally favorable, though barriers such as cost and time existed for some confinement operators. An educational program, consisting of six booklets mailed out at two-week intervals and a group meeting, resulted in significant knowledge gains for the intervention group in areas related to respiratory health and confinement. For example, while fewer than half of the participants recognized on the pretest the recommended levels of potentially hazardous substances such as dust, carbon monoxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, more than 85 percent recognized the recommended levels on the posttest. Evaluations of the units and the group meetings indicate that confinement operators have responded favorably to the project. Follow-up evaluation is underway to determine whether changes in knowledge have led to changes in behavior.
Date Published: 1989
This study assessed attitudes, knowledge and behavior related to respiratory health among 198 swine confinement operators, half of whom were assigned to an educational intervention and half of whom served as controls. The project identified significant gaps in knowledge regarding the swine confinement environment arid the hazards posed by working in such an environment. Attitudes toward improving the environment were generally favorable, though barriers such as cost and time existed for some confinement operators. An educational program, consisting of six booklets mailed out at two-week intervals and a group meeting, resulted in significant knowledge gains for the intervention group in areas related to respiratory health and confinement. For example, while fewer than half of the participants recognized on the pretest the recommended levels of potentially hazardous substances such as dust, carbon monoxide, ammonia and hydrogen sulfide, more than 85 percent recognized the recommended levels on the posttest. Evaluations of the units and the group meetings indicate that confinement operators have responded favorably to the project. Follow-up evaluation is underway to determine whether changes in knowledge have led to changes in behavior.
