scholarly journals An Assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Food Safety Among Food Handlers Engaged in Food Courts

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 346-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ummi Mohlisi Mohd Asmawi ◽  
Alissa Azureen Norehan ◽  
Khasnoorsani Salikin ◽  
Nur Ain Syafiqah Rosdi ◽  
Nur Amira Thaqifah Abdul Munir ◽  
...  

The aim of this paperis to evaluate the aspects of knowledge, attitude, and practices about food hygiene and safety issues among food handlers who are working in food courts. A cross-sectional study was conducted at four randomly food courts in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia during June and July 2017. It involves 108 respondents that match the inclusion criteria among food handlers. The guided self-administered questionnaire; were divided into three sections which are knowledge, practices, and attitudes. After the complete questionnaireswere collected, data were entered and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 23.0. Positive correlations were seen between mean knowledge score and mean attitudes score (p-value=0.0240, r=0.217), between attitude score and practices score (p < 0.001, r=0.559) and between knowledge score and practices score (p value=0.049, r=0.190). The strongest correlation being between mean attitudes score and mean practices score. Respondents with low knowledge score also had the higher practices score. This paper serves as an eye-opener for policy makersas they can review and improve the knowledge, attitude and practices in food safety among food handlers in food courts and they can also help raise food safety awareness campaign and organize more targeted training in related fields of concern.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alyne Gomes da Vitória ◽  
Jhenifer de Souza Couto Oliveira ◽  
Louise Caroline de Almeida Pereira ◽  
Carolina Perim de Faria ◽  
Jackline Freitas Brilhante de São José

Abstract Background The adoption and evaluation of good practices in food handling in food service are essential to minimizing foodborne diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices of food handlers in schools in Vitória, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out in the school food services of the municipal network of Vitória-ES. The sample of food handlers was obtained by convenience and comprised food handlers involved with preparation and other kitchen-related activities. The instrument consisted of a structured questionnaire with 36 six questions that included sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to good practices and food safety. The questionnaire was answered by 172 food handlers. Pearson correlation test, T-test, Tukey’s test and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted. Data entry and analysis were done using SPSS v.20 software. Results Most of the participants were female (96.5%, n = 166), were 40 to 49 years old (44.8%, n = 78), attended high school (57.9%, n = 99), had up to 5 years of experience in the role (39.5%, n = 68). Some of them had participated at least 4 times in training (74.4%, n = 128) of which the most recent session had occurred within 3 months (52.0%, n = 44). The lowest score was obtained for knowledge (7.1 ± 1.22). All the models presented significant results for the F-test. This result show good model fit and results ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 on the Durbin Watson test of residual autocorrelation. The linear regression analysis allowed us to identify that the knowledge score increased with experience, but it was significant only for those who had spent up to 10 years in the role. The knowledge score was associated with experience and training time. Attitudes were significantly related to the schooling and training time. The increase in the classification of practices is shown only through a classification of attitudes. Conclusions Although the food handlers’ knowledge level in general was considered as sufficient, it was inferior to their scores for attitudes and practices regarding certain food safety concepts. Food safety training is ongoing in these units and covers the main aspects that favour the transformation of knowledge into appropriate attitudes and practices.


2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (07) ◽  
pp. 584-590
Author(s):  
Eman Y Abu-rish ◽  
Eman R Elayeh ◽  
Michael J Browning

Introduction: Zika virus (ZIKAV) disease is a public health problem of international concern. Recent evidence has documented imported ZIKAV cases into the Middle East and the existence of ZIKAV-transmitting mosquitoes in Jordan. However, limited data exist on the role of physicians in public awareness in this regard. This study aimed to assess ZIKAV knowledge, attitudes and counseling practices (KAP) of general physicians and gynecologists in Amman, Jordan. Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, a structured paper-based questionnaire was completed by 119 participants during 2016-2017. Results: Only 4.2% of the physicians correctly addressed ZIKAV-complication questions. A misconception of considering direct contact between individuals and breastfeeding as modes of ZIKAV transmission was observed. Only one participant correctly recognized that isolation of infected or exposed persons is not recommended. Having at least five years of experience in medical practice was the only factor that was significantly associated with a high knowledge score (P-value=0.011). Although prevention measures are the sole method to control ZIKAV spread, only 50% of participants believed in the efficacy of such measures. Despite a quarter of participants perceiving ZIKAV as a threat to their patients, none of them have counseled a patient in this regard before. The presence of an evidence of ZIKAV in Jordan and health authorities' recommendations were the most important predictors for adoption of counseling practice. Conclusions: General physicians and gynecologists in Jordan had several gaps in knowledge of key aspects of ZIKAV disease, and there is a need for specific training programs of physicians and gynecologists.


2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-34
Author(s):  
Uğur Lokman ◽  
Aylin Akoğlu

The purpose of this study is to determine the food allergy knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers working in five-star hotel kitchens in Turkey and to explore the association between the obtained scores and handlers’ demographic and working characteristics. A cross-sectional survey involving 450 food handlers in the state of Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya, in Turkey, was conducted using a paper-based questionnaire. The total knowledge score of the participants was 11.89 ±2.22 (max 17), attitude score 60.63 ±10.34 (max 75) and practice score 55.60 ±8.01 (max 65). In the comparison based on demographic characteristics; the knowledge (12.10 ±2.15) and practice (56.33 ±5.91) scores of the food handlers who received food allergy training in the hotel they work were found to be significantly higher than those who did not receive food allergy training (p<0.05). Food allergy knowledge of food handlers was evaluated as "average", attitude as "positive", and practice as "low risk practice". The results obtained are expected to contribute to the development of food allergy policies, procedures, and the planning of the necessary trainings for reducing the risks of food allergies and preventing fatal allergic reactions.


Author(s):  
Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh ◽  
Azimatun Noor Aizuddin ◽  
Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Salem ◽  
Khalid Abdulrahman Al-shetaily ◽  
Fawziah Hassan Al-Owayyid

Cross sectional study was conducted to evaluate the Attitudes and awareness level of Citizens towards COVID-19 vaccination in Qassim region.  The present study’s results showed that awareness of COVID-19 Vaccination in Qassim region- Saudi Arabia shows that the mean score of awareness was 3.49 (SD 0.864) out of 5.   Regarding vaccination decision among Saudi citizens in Qassim region, (22.7%) of the participants were undecided, (14.7%) refused, and (62.6%) agreed to get a vaccine against COVID-19. Reason for vaccine refusal mainly was they don't believe the vaccine. 96 Participants (32.0%) were working in the healthcare sector, (44.8%) of them had received the COVID-19 Vaccine, and (38.5%) refused. The level of awareness among healthcare participants was (80.2%). The average knowledge score was 3.49 (SD =.864) out of a possible 5. Participants who reported having a graduate level of education had a considerably higher mean knowledge score. The mean score of attitudes was 1.95 (SD=1.176) out of 5, with majority of positive attitude score 62.7%. ((65.7% They received the first dose, and 6.0% they received the first dose and second dose)). Participants with age group 55 years and above years, are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other age groups. Married persons are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other categories. Participants with graduate educational level are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other educational levels. Employed persons are more aware towards COVID-19 Vaccination than other categories. Whereas, there is no relation between age and awareness among Saudi citizens towards COVID-19 (P-value= 0.140). As well, there is no relation between employed citizens and awareness among Saudi citizens towards COVID-19 (P-value =0.136), and there is relation between marital status and awareness among Saudi citizens (P-value = 0.013).


2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
J M Mathenge ◽  
M M Gicheru ◽  
P O Okemo ◽  
P M Ng’ang’a ◽  
J M Mbaria

Introduction: Food-borne diseases have been increasing in recent years with a greater impact on health and economies of developing countries. Good levels of knowledge towards food safety among food handlers and the effective practices in food handling are imperative in reducing such illnesses. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices in food safety among food handlers working in meat selling and processing points within Nairobi city. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the City of Nairobi. Data were collected from 100 food handlers working in food establishments selling meat in the city using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Results: Majority of the participants were male (80.0%) and Christians (89.0%). The median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of the participants was 30.5 (26.0-38.0) years. The respondents demonstrated above average proficiency in the assessments involving Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP). The overall KAP scores were not associated with age, gender, level of education and marital status. On the other hand, respondents who had ever attended a food handling and/or food safety course had a statistically significantly higher KAP mean score than their counterparts who had never attended (respectively, 31.5±0.2 versus 30.3±0.3, p=0.003). Conclusion: The level of knowledge, attitude, and practice on food safety and food handling amongst the sampled food handlers were found to be favorable. Training, motivation and initiatives should be provided to encourage food handlers to sustain this positive trend in knowledge, attitude, and practices in food safety.


Author(s):  
Ramin Mosharraf ◽  
Farshad Nadian

Introduction: The knowledge and attitude of dentists toward the use of denture adhesives vary worldwide, and may be affected by different factors. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of the general dentists toward the use of denture adhesives.  Materials and Methods: In the current cross-sectional study that was done in 2019 in the city of Isfahan, the knowledge and attitude of 151 general dentists toward denture adhesive in the Isfahan city were assessed using a 16-item questionnaire. Besides, the participants' age and gender were recorded as well. Statistical analyses were done by One-way ANOVA and T-test with the 0.05 level of significance. Results: The liquid and powder (57.2%) forms of denture adhesives were the most prevalent favored types of adhesives. The incidence of adverse effects following the adhesives administration (55%) was the most common underlying etiology for the reluctance to use them. The mean of knowledge and attitude scores were (54.22 ± 14.37) and (43.32 ± 14.41), respectively, that both were at an intermediate level. Neither knowledge score (p value = 0.91) nor attitude score (p value = 0.06) was affected by gender. Similar insignificant associations were found for age (p value = 0.31 for knowledge and 0.37 for age) as well. A significant direct association was found between knowledge and attitude (p value = 0.02, r = 0.196). Conclusion: Both of the knowledge and attitude of the studied population were in the intermediate range. Besides, neither their knowledge nor their attitude was affected by age and gender. We observed that the attitude was directly associated with the dentists' knowledge. 


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 179-186
Author(s):  
Eman Moawad Elhabashi ◽  
Reham Farouk Tawfik ◽  
Fatma Maamoun Abou-Hashima ◽  
Arwa Mohamed El Shafei ◽  
Fayrouz El-Aguizy

BACKGROUND: Since first confirmed case of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 in December 2019 by Chinese health authorities and subsequent World Health Organization (WHO) declaration that COVID-19 is a global public health crisis, radical changes have occurred all over the world associating massive lockdown with increased numbers of infected cases and related mortalities. As health care workers (HCWs) are at a great risk to get COVID-19 infection and hence can be a dangerous source of spreading it to the community, it was important to assess HCWs knowledge, attitude, and practice toward COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) to help limit the outcomes of COVID-19. AIM: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians regarding COVID-19 IPC. METHODS: Research setting is “Kasr Al-Ainy” Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University Hospital. Design: A cross-sectional analytical observational hospital-based research in June 2020. Population: A convenient sample of 50 physicians working at Cairo University Hospital was included. Data collection: Self-administered questionnaires derived from the WHO IPC guide during health care when COVID-19 is suspected were used. RESULTS: Mean age of studied group was 30.5 ± 3.97, while their mean years of practice were 4.7 ± 3.55. Mean knowledge score among physicians was 5.6 (± 0.56), two-thirds of them had sufficient knowledge regarding COVID-19 IPC as their mean attitude score among 24.9 (± 2.8). While mean practice scores 5.6 (± 1.05), yet only 68% of the participating physicians use a new set of personal protective equipment when care is given to a different patient. CONCLUSION: Physician’s moderate knowledge, poor attitude, and modest practice toward COVID-19 IPC were found to be not sufficient, not favorable nor safe enough to expected standards.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Al-Hashemi ◽  
Abdullatif Ashkanani ◽  
Haneen Al-Qattan ◽  
Asmaa Mahmoud ◽  
Majd Al-Kabbani ◽  
...  

Background and Objectives. Attitudes toward students with epilepsy and epilepsy-related knowledge of teachers are crucial for child’s safety in the school. The aim of this study was to evaluate teachers’ knowledge and attitudes toward epilepsy.Methods. This cross-sectional study included 824 teachers from 24 randomly selected middle and high schools. Scale of Attitudes Toward Persons with Epilepsy (ATPE) was modified to assess teachers’ knowledge about epilepsy and attitudes toward students with epilepsy.Results. Median knowledge score about epilepsy was 5 (out of 13), while median attitude score was 10 (out of 15). Both knowledge and attitude median scores were significantly higher in senior teachers with longer teaching experience and in respondents who dealt with a person with epilepsy. There was significant association between knowledge score and attitude score (p<0.01). Logistic regression showed that significant variables, independently associated with poor knowledge after adjusting for possible confounders, were not having a family member with epilepsy (p=0.009), unawareness of life circumstances of persons with epilepsy (p=0.048), and a poor attitude score (p<0.001).Conclusion. School teachers in Kuwait have relatively poor knowledge about epilepsy but have positive attitudes toward students with epilepsy. A number of historical and stigmatizing ideas about epilepsy still exist. It is recommended to provide teachers with information about handling seizures in the educational setting through development and implementation of epilepsy education programs.


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