Acceptability study of protective boots among farmers of Taungdwingyi Township

ABSTRACT

Acceptability of fang-proof protective boots was studied in 180 farmers of Taungdwingyi Township during harvesting season, October 1995. The boots were provided free of charge. Preliminary survey showed that 98 per cent of farmers knew snake-bite could be prevented by working with boots on and only 72 per cent wore them whereas 28 per cent non-users could not afford to buy them. At present 88 per cent wear locally available rubber boots, which could not withstand penetration of Russell's viper's fangs. Following the trial, 99 per cent enjoyed wearing the trial boots. These provide full sense of protection against snakebite. These are light, comfortable and the farmers could work with them on for the whole day either intermittently or continuously. Ninety-nine percent preferred to wear the trial boots in future and intended to use them even if these are not provided free of charge. The boots cost 350 kyats per pair. Ninety-nine percent could afford to buy them at a price of 250 kyats per pair, however 1