Knowledge, awareness, and perception on pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and purchasing patterns among rural, suburban, and urban communities in Malaysia

Omar, Ain Najwa Delaila (2023) Knowledge, awareness, and perception on pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables and purchasing patterns among rural, suburban, and urban communities in Malaysia. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

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Abstract

Introduction: Fruits and vegetables (FV) are essential for human health because they stimulate the immune system. Several studies have found phytochemicals, minerals, and other compounds found in fruits and vegetables to be extremely important in human development. Health specialists and nutritionists continue encouraging individuals to eat more fruits and vegetables to avoid illnesses like cancer and cardiovascular disease. Humans are exposed to pesticides through various methods, including skin contact, ingestion, and inhalation. In the general population, oral intake of pesticide-contaminated fruits and vegetables has been described as the predominant route of exposure. Pesticide residues in food are therefore a cause of significant concern, and what makes it even more complicated is that some of these fruits and vegetables are ingested fresh or semi-processed, which may have higher quantities of pesticides than other plant-based foods. In fact, pesticide use and pesticide residues in foods have been the subject of controversial public discussions and media coverage in Malaysia. Against this background, a better understanding of public risk perceptions, awareness and knowledge is needed to promote efficient public health communication. Objective: This study examines consumer purchasing patterns and the level of knowledge, awareness, and perception of conventional pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables (FV) among rural, suburban, and urban communities in Malaysia. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to November 2022. Adapted questionnaires were used to collect data on respondents’ sociodemographic backgrounds, purchasing patterns, knowledge, awareness, and perception level of rural, urban, and suburban communities via google form or face-to-face interviews. A total of 303 respondents were involved in this study; 100 were rural, 102 suburban, and 101 urban. The data were analysed using One-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation test and multiple regression analysis. Result and discussion: All three communities have high knowledge, awareness, and perception of pesticide residues. In the rural community, 51.0% have a high level of knowledge, 42.0% has a high level of awareness, and 44.0% has a high degree of perception. In suburban, 47.1% have a high level of knowledge, 37.3% have a high level of awareness, and 42.2% have a high degree of perception. By 63.3%, 35.6%, and 52.5% of the respondents, urban communities have high knowledge, awareness, and perception of pesticide residue. The one-way ANOVA test revealed a significant difference between knowledge levels in rural and urban areas, perception levels in rural and urban areas, and perception levels in rural and suburban areas. The degree of knowledge perception for all three communities and knowledge awareness for rural and urban communities were significantly associated. Conclusion: Our study found that the urban, suburban, and rural communities demonstrated different levels of awareness, perception, and understanding of pesticide residues in all three communities. Sociodemographic factors, which are age, education level, the number vii of people living in the family as a whole and growing one's food, as well as awareness and perception level, increase the knowledge level significantly. Overall, there is a need for greater education and awareness among all communities in Malaysia about the potential risks associated with pesticide residues in fruits and vegetables, and the benefits of consuming organic food. By increasing knowledge and awareness, consumers in all communities can make more informed purchasing decisions and work towards a safer and more sustainable food system in Malaysia. Keywords: Knowledge Awareness Perception, Pesticide Residues, Fruits and Vegetables

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	11 Mar 2024 07:39
Last Modified:	11 Mar 2024 07:39
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/1644

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