Investigation of the Prevailing Diagnostic and Management Practices of synthetic Pesticide Poisoning -related cases in Isoka District, Muchinga Province of Zambia

Synthetic Pesticides are chemical substances that are used to kill pests that reduce the quality and production of the agricultural crops. Due to increase in Population and demand for food, the use of  synthetic pesticides has increased. Despite their use, they pose health challenges to both the environment and humans. Once human beings are exposed to pesticides, they cause both acute and chronic poisoning. The diagnosis and management of the cases arising from exposure to Synthetic pesticides is therefore very crucial. The purpose of this study was to Investigate the Prevailing Diagnostic and Management Practices of Synthetic Pesticide Poisoning -Related cases among Primary healthcare providers of Isoka District in Muchinga province of Zambia. Data were collected by means of a questionnaire and analysed using frequency and percentages of descriptive statistics. There were divergence views among primary healthcare providers on the Diagnostic and management practices of pesticide poisoning -related cases. While 18%  conducted procedures such as  Airway, Breathing, Circulation  and identified the type of pesticides,  25% give IV fluids and activated charcoal and 13%  assess the type of poisoning. Further, 2% were able to remove clothes from the patients and give IV fluids while  42%  take history. This showed nonexistence of standard practice in the management of pesticide poisoning -related cases. This study recommends the need to provide training on the diagnostic and management practices of pesticide poisoning-related cases among primary healthcare providers. The study further recommend the need for institution collaboration between the ministry of health and the ministry of agriculture.