The Use of Pesticides and Health Risk Assessment of Riparian Farmers in Northeastern Brazil: An Artificial Intelligence-based Analysis

This research aimed to assess the perception of health risks associated with pesticide use among riverside farmers in the municipalities of Petrolina (PE) and Juazeiro (BA). Between January and July 2022, we collected data using a homogeneous sample of 60 farmers from each municipality. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to conduct a study on risk perception, employing the expanded SUS questionnaire "A" through a mobile application. We analyzed the collected data using artificial intelligence (AI) and artificial neural networks. The research findings revealed an inadequate understanding of health risks among riverside farmers in both groups, with a particular need for knowledge improvement in the community of Juazeiro (BA). We conclude that to enhance farmers' awareness and perception of risks, it is imperative to implement comprehensive educational policies and adopt a health management approach that emphasizes the farmer's relationship with the environment.