Objectives: To describe the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practices of using household insecticides among residents and some factors related to practices in Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province in 2022.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, interviewing 412 people over 18 years old in three towns and one commune in Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri Province in 2022.
Results: Research results showed that 79.1% of households used spraying insecticides and 20.9% used ant-killing powder, mosquito scent, and mosquito repellant cream. 77.3%, 79.8% and 73.3% had good knowledge, positive attitude and appropriate practices for using household insecticides, respectively. When using insecticides, 86.3% of people wore masks/face coverings, 71.8% followed the instructions for use, and 53.7% did not follow the instructions when mixing chemicals. Appropriate practices of participants who had access to information about household insecticides, with appropriate knowledge and positive attitude were 2.8 times (95% CI: 1.5-5.2), 2.2 times (95% CI: 1.2-3.7), and 1.8 times (95% CI: 1.0-3.17) higher than those who did not have access to information, with inappropriate knowledge and inappropriate attitudes about using household insecticides, respectively.
Conclusions: Approximately three-fourths of the people had good knowledge, positive attitude and appropriate practices for using household insecticides. Education, years of use, knowledge, attitude, and receiving information about household insecticides were related to the practice of using household insecticides. People should go to the shops selling licensed household insecticides for advice and instructions on the safe use and purchase of chemicals. It is also important to carefully read and follow the instructions for insecticide use and not buy insecticides of unknown origin. The Department of Health should strengthen the inspection and supervision at the points of sale of insecticides and communicate about the safe and effective use of household insecticides.