Perceptions on pesticides: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of residents in Trinidad and Tobago

Extensive pesticide use in Trinidad and Tobago (T&amp;T) raises concerns for human and environmental health. Therefore, this study sought to assess the general knowledge, attitudes and practices of T&amp;T residents on pesticides and related topics. Using convenience (non-probability) sampling, a questionnaire was administered to residents of Trinidad (<i>N</i> = 572) and Tobago (<i>N</i> = 68). Most respondents (93.44%) had insufficient knowledge on pesticides and application protocols but had supportive attitudes (95.94%) that acknowledged pesticides as harmful, and positive perceptions toward eco-friendlier approaches (IPM, organic farming). Poor practices (97.5%) were prominent, including heavy pesticide reliance (&gt;70.0%), no PPE during pesticide handling (48.76%) and minimal use of IPM (15.31%) and biocontrol (12.50%). User knowledge gaps and malpractices can inform local state entities in designing effective public outreach initiatives for promoting adoption of safer pest management practices.

特立尼达和多巴哥（T&T）大量使用农药，引发了对人类健康和环境健康的担忧。因此，本研究旨在评估T&T居民对农药及相关主题的一般知识、态度和实践。采用便利（非概率）抽样方法，向特立尼达居民（N=572）和多巴哥居民（N=68）发放了问卷。大多数受访者（93.44%）对农药及其施用规程的知识不足，但持有支持性态度（95.94%），承认农药有害，并对生态友好型方法（有害生物综合治理（IPM）、有机农业）持积极看法。不良实践（97.5%）较为突出，包括过度依赖农药（>70.0%）、处理农药时不使用个人防护装备（PPE）（48.76%），以及极少使用IPM（15.31%）和生物防治（12.50%）。用户的知识缺口和不当实践可为地方政府机构设计有效的公共宣传举措提供参考，以推动更安全的有害生物管理实践的采用。