Rodent control methods and knowledge of potential human toxicity in Ibadan: a pilot study
Abstract
Background: Studies on the rodent situation and methods of rodent control in households in Nigeria are scarce. This pilot study examined types of rodents, methods of their control, and participants’ knowledge of potential clinical toxicities of rodenticides used.
Methods: A cross-sectional study that involved a random interview of participants aged 10 years and above at urban markets along roads leading to the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. A structured, interviewer-administered, questionnaire was used to obtain data on the presence and types of rodents in households, methods of control, and knowledge of potential human toxicity.
Results: One hundred and eight participants were interviewed. Thirty four participants (34/108, 31.6%) were in the age category of 31 to 40 years. Ninety six (88.9 %) stated that they had rodents in their households and used rodent control methods. The house rat and mouse were the rodents said to be present in households. Sixty nine participants (69/96, 71.9 %) responded that they used rodenticides, 24 (24/96, 25.0%) claimed the use of adhesive rat glue, and a few (3/96, 3.1 %) used both rodenticides and adhesive rat glue. Sixty one (61/69, 88.4%) stated that they threw dead rats into surface waste dumps or gutters, 2 (2/69, 2.9%) stated that they buried the dead rats. Rodenticides were left in corners of households without removal. Sixty (60/69, 87%) stated that they were aware of potential toxicity to humans. However, none stated that they were aware of any user instructions for appropriate use, prevention of harm, or appropriate disposal of rodenticides.
Conclusion: Majority of those interviewed had house rats and mice in their households. There was a high use of rodenticides with near zero compliance to safe practices. This has implications for public health, environmental and clinical toxicity.
Key words: Rodent, house rat, house mouse, rodenticides, toxicity
Abstrait
Contexte: Les études sur la situation des rongeurs et les méthodes de lutte contre les rongeurs dans les ménages au Nigéria sont rares. Cette étude pilote a examiné les types de rongeurs, les méthodes de contrôle et les connaissances des participants sur les toxicités cliniques potentielles des rodenticides utilisés.
Méthodes : Une étude transversale qui impliquait une interview aléatoire de participants âgés de 10 ans et plus dans les marchés urbains le long des routes menant à l’Université d’Ibadan, au Nigéria. Un questionnaire structuré administré par un intervieweur a été utilisé pour obtenir des données sur la présence et les types de rongeurs dans les ménages, les méthodes de contrôle et la connaissance de la toxicité humaine potentielle.
Résultats : Cent huit participants ont été interrogés. Trente-quatre participants (34/108 ; 31,6%) étaient dans la catégorie d’âge de 31 à 40 ans. Quatre-vingt-seize (88,9%) ont déclaré avoir des rongeurs dans leur foyer et utiliser des méthodes de contrôle des rongeurs. Le rat et la souris domestique étaient les rongeurs dit à être présents dans les ménages. Soixante-neuf participants (69/96 ; 71,9%) ont répondu qu’ils utilisaient des rodenticides, 24 (24/96 ; 25,0%) ont déclaré utiliser de la colle adhésive pour rats, et quelques-uns (3/96 ; 3,1%) ont utilisé à la fois des rodenticides et de la colle adhésive de rat. Soixante et un (61/69, 88,4%) ont déclaré avoir jeté des rats morts dans des poubelles de surface ou des caniveaux, 2 (2/69 ; 2,9%) ont déclaré avoir enterré les rats morts. Les rodenticides ont été laissés dans les coins des ménages sans être enlevés. Soixante (60/69 ; 87%) ont déclaré être conscients de la toxicité potentielle pour les humains. Cependant, aucun n’a déclaré connaître les instructions d’utilisation appropriées, la prévention des dommages ou l’élimination appropriée des rodenticides.
Conclusion : La majorité des personnes interrogées avaient des rats et souris domestiques dans leur ménage. Il y avait une utilisation élevée de rodenticides avec une conformité presque nulle aux pratiques sécuritaires. Cela a des implications pour la santé publique, la toxicité environnementale et clinique.
Mots clés: rongeur, rat domestique, souris domestique, rodenticides, toxicité
Correspondence: Dr. O.S. Michael, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. E-mail: micobaro@gmail.com.
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