Quality assessment of training courses for the qualification to purchase and use pesticides in agricolture

This paper discusses training courses for the qialification of farmers to use agricoltural pesticides focussing on training programme held at the Workplace Prevention, Hygiene and safety department of the Local Health unit of Viterbo (ASL). The objectives of the research were: to assess the perceived quality of the courses, to obtain information on the applicability of a qualitative survey method. The following methods weere used: the setting up of a multidisciplinary research group, jointt development of a research protocol, participant selection by theoretical samplig, datat analysis by grounded theory approach: triangulation of the data obtained by the different readings of the recordings by the research. The result shows: a high attendance rate (95%), sensitivity to risks linked to these substances but also conflicting messages by researchers from different scientific areas, although these course improve skills, proved by farmers' statements of self-efficacy, a notabel discrepancy between therory and professional practice is outilined, users' "participation is also a key factor. In conclusion, focus group provedto be a valuable and productive methodology (from the point of view of information) for assessing the quality of courses, as well as a useful tool for a service that attaches importance to participation.