Assessing the Effectiveness of Knowledge and Attitudes on Household/Urban Pesticides Use: Basis for a Health Advocacy Intervention

Kean Ruzzel M. Corales; Analiza P. Malalay

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.78525

Assessing the Effectiveness of Knowledge and Attitudes on Household/Urban Pesticides Use: Basis for a Health Advocacy Intervention

Author(s)	Mr. Kean Ruzzel M. Corales, Dr. Analiza P. Malalay
Country	Philippines
Abstract	Dengue continues to pose a serious public health challenge in the Philippines, particularly in urban communities where year‑round mosquito presence and frequent household/urban pesticide use increase both disease transmission and chemical exposure risks. While pesticide application is commonly used for mosquito control, improper handling and limited consumer chemical literacy undermine dengue prevention efforts and expose households to health hazards. This study examined the effectiveness of a Health Advocacy Intervention in improving residents’ knowledge and attitudes toward safe household/urban pesticide use and dengue prevention in Santa Rosa City, Laguna. An experimental randomized controlled trial design was employed involving sixty (60) adult residents from selected barangays, who were randomly assigned to either an Intervention Group or a Control Group. Both groups completed validated knowledge and attitude assessments prior to the intervention. The Intervention Group received a structured Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)–based health advocacy program focused on pesticide safety, label comprehension, and the Department of Health (DOH) 5S dengue prevention strategy, while the Control Group received no intervention. Post‑tests were administered three weeks after the pre‑test. Results indicated that baseline knowledge levels in both groups were generally low, while baseline attitudes were positive but not optimal. Following the intervention, participants in the Intervention Group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in both knowledge and attitudes (p < 0.05), achieving high knowledge levels and very positive attitudes toward safe pesticide use and dengue prevention. No significant changes were observed in the control group. The findings confirm the effectiveness of the Health Advocacy Intervention and underscore the value of integrating chemical safety education into community‑based dengue prevention programs to promote safer and more sustainable public health practices.
Keywords	pesticide use, dengue prevention, health advocacy, knowledge, attitude
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-05-15
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.78525

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Assessing the Effectiveness of Knowledge and Attitudes on Household/Urban Pesticides Use: Basis for a Health Advocacy Intervention

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