Lead: Nicole Probst-Hensch, Swiss TPH
Aim and scope
In Switzerland, little is known about the perceived environmental risk of plant protectin products in agriculture. Personalised health approaches aim at providing individuals with individual information to motivate changes in lifestyle and screening behaviour. This study has per objective to assess the potential for attitude and perceived risk change of personalised feedback on exposure to plant protection products.
Methods
Adult family members included in the cohort established under WP3 will be offered personalised feedback on personal and family members’ exposure to targeted plant protection products as measured in silicone wrist bands and/or urine. Written feedback will be provided in the last study year. The personal exposure levels will be compared to the mean levels of other adults and children. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange by phone with the study experts in case they need more input related to the interpretation of their individual results. Subsequently, all adults (farmers and partners) will be invited to answer a questionnaire, which repeats selected questions from the questionnaire administered at baseline in WP3. This will allow us to assess changes in perceived risks and attitudes towards the use of plant protection products.
Planned outputs
This study will lead to a better understanding of whether personalised exposure profiles can facilitate change in attitudes and risk perception towards plant protection products. Based on the findings, we can reflect on sensible strategies to stimulate the willingness to reduce the use of plant protection products on Swiss farmers and the rural population.
