Evaluating Food Safety Knowledge and Practices of Food Processors and Sellers Working in Food Facilities in Hanoi, Vietnam

ABSTRACT Consumption of fast food and street food is increasingly common among Vietnamese, particularly in large cities. The high daily demand for these convenient food services, together with a poor management system, has raised concerns about food hygiene and safety (FHS). This study aimed to examine the FHS knowledge and practices of food processors and sellers in food facilities in Hanoi, Vietnam, and to identify their associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,760 food processors and sellers in restaurants, fast food stores, food stalls, and street vendors in Hanoi in 2015. We assessed each participant's FHS knowledge using a self-report questionnaire and their FHS practices using a checklist. Tobit regression was used to determine potential factors associated with FHS knowledge and practices, including demographics, training experience, and frequency of health examination. Overall, we observed a lack of FHS knowledge among respondents across three domains, including standard requirements for food facilities (18%), food processing procedures (29%), and food poisoning prevention (11%). Only 25.9 and 38.1% of participants used caps and masks, respectively, and 12.8% of food processors reported direct hand contact with food. After adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics, these factors significantly predicted increased FHS knowledge and practice scores: (i) working at restaurants and food stalls, (ii) having FHS training, (iii) having had a physical examination, and (iv) having taken a stool test within the last year. These findings highlight the need of continuous training to improve FHS knowledge and practices among food processors and food sellers. Moreover, regular monitoring of food facilities, combined with medical examination of their staff, should be performed to ensure food safety.

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Factors Associated with the Current State of Food Safety Knowledge and Practices among the ‘Doi’ Workers in Bogura, Bangladesh: A Cross-sectional Study

European Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejfood.2021.3.6.397 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (6) ◽

pp. 8-14

Author(s):

M. S. Kayshar ◽

M. S. Arifin ◽

M. M. Rana ◽

S. S. Akter ◽

M. N. Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Dairy Product ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Training Experience ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Substantial Impact ◽

Vast Number ◽

Current State ◽

Safety Knowledge

'Doi,' or yogurt, is a traditional dairy product in Bangladesh. Bogura's 'Doi' is the most popular of all 'Doi' items throughout the country. The state of food safety in the 'Doi' business is of great concern because this product is consumed by a vast number of people. The current study aims to evaluate the food safety knowledge and practice of the ‘Doi’ workers in Bogura as well as the associated factors. In this cross-sectional study, 150 people participated voluntarily and answered a structured questionnaire. The final result showed that the current state of their food safety knowledge (4.7±2.9; scale=15) and practices (21.5±6.2; scale=60) was not satisfactory. It was also observed that level of education, job hours, and training experience all had a substantial impact on knowledge and practices. Participants with a high level of food safety knowledge had 5.5 times more desired food safety practices than their peers. Therefore, the current findings emphasize the need of food safety trainings, certification, and employing educated personnel in the 'Doi' sectors.

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Estimation of Tinnitus Risk in a Community: The Yakumo Study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-30159/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Tadao Yoshida ◽

Tsutomu Nakashima ◽

Naomi Katayama ◽

Takafumi Nakada ◽

Anna Yoshihara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Serum Calcium ◽

White Blood Cells ◽

The Elderly ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Health Examination ◽

Fat Percentage ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Level

Abstract Background: Tinnitus is an unpleasant symptom, and its prevalence among the elderly is very high. We conducted annual examinations of people in a community using a health survey with an additional item on tinnitus to investigate the risk factors within this community.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 510 Japanese citizens (215 men, 295 women) who attended a health examination. A self-report questionnaire including items on tinnitus and a hearing test were administered. For the examination, body weight, body mass index, body fat percentage, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured. A blood examination included counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets, and measures of hemoglobin, total protein, total cholesterol, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, and serum calcium.Results: A logistic regression analysis revealed that subjective hearing loss, vertigo, and a high level of serum calcium were associated with tinnitus after adjustment for age and sex. There was a significant correlation between subjective hearing loss and pure tone audiogram results.Conclusions: Hearing loss, vertigo, and serum calcium level are independently associated with subjective tinnitus.

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Dietary patterns and smartphone use in adolescents: A large-sample, cross-sectional study

10.21203/rs.3.rs-33267/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Kyoung Min Kim ◽

Ilju Lee ◽

Jun Won Kim ◽

Jae-Won Choi

Keyword(s):

Fast Food ◽

Clinical Information ◽

Energy Drinks ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Large Sample ◽

Sweetened Beverages ◽

Smartphone Use ◽

Instant Noodles

Abstract Background: This study aimed to examine whether the frequency of consuming specific foods was associated with smartphone usage time and the problems caused by smartphone overuse in adolescents. Methods: Both routines (food consumption and smartphone use) were investigated in a large sample of Korean adolescents using a nationwide self-report survey. Food intake was assessed using a seven-point scale (“never” to “1, 2, and 3 or more times per day”) for nine items: fruits, vegetables, milk, soda, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, fast food, instant noodles, and snacks. Smartphone usage time and problematic usage were determined using self-report items. The study took place in Korea. In total, 62,276 students aged 12–18 years participated. Results: Most respondents (66.5%) used smartphones for over two hours per day. Higher rates of consuming fruits, vegetables, and milk were associated with significantly lower smartphone usage; in contrast, higher consumption of soda, energy drinks, sweetened beverages, fast food, instant noodles, and snacks was associated with higher smartphone use. Conclusions: Our findings provide useful clinical information regarding adolescents’ mental health. Future studies should investigate underlying mechanisms and examine the efficacy of adopting dietary interventions for adolescents with excessive smartphone use.

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A cross-sectional study on food safety knowledge amongst domestic workers in the UAE

British Food Journal ◽

10.1108/bfj-12-2020-1124 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽

Author(s):

Tareq Osaili ◽

Reyad Shaker Obaid ◽

Sadi Taha ◽

Sofia Kayyaal ◽

Rima Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Food Poisoning ◽

Domestic Workers ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Personal Hygiene ◽

Cross Contamination ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Content Type ◽

Safety Knowledge

PurposeThe aims of this study were to assess the food safety knowledge amongst domestic workers in the UAE and test the association between their socio-demographic characteristics and food safety knowledge.Design/methodology/approachA non-probabilistic sample of 231 domestic workers who help families in food preparation and/or cooking participated in this cross-sectional study. The participants completed a questionnaire composed of socio-demographic characteristics and four different aspects of food safety knowledge (personal hygiene, food poisoning, cross-contamination and temperature control).FindingsIt was observed that the domestic workers had inadequate knowledge about food safety with an overall food safety knowledge score of 32.9%. Total knowledge of “personal hygiene” and “cross-contamination” was relatively higher (46.2 and 43.9%, respectively) than that of “food poisoning” (18.1%) and “temperature control” (23.3%). A significant (P-value < 0.05) association was observed between overall food safety knowledge and marital status, age and education level, but not nationality of domestic workers (Asian or African).Originality/valueThe findings of this study are expected to encourage policy makers mandate food safety trainings for this segment of the population besides helping them in creating awareness and training programs regarding food safety.

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Coping Style as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Deliberate Self-Harm

Crisis ◽

10.1027/0227-5910/a000083 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 32 (5) ◽

pp. 272-279 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Allison S. Christian ◽

Kristen M. McCabe

Keyword(s):

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Undergraduate Students ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Deliberate Self Harm ◽

Self Blame ◽

Self Harm ◽

The Relationship

Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) occurs with high frequency among clinical and nonclinical youth populations. Although depression has been consistently linked with the behavior, not all depressed individuals engage in DSH. Aims: The current study examined maladaptive coping strategies (i.e., self-blame, distancing, and self-isolation) as mediators between depression and DSH among undergraduate students. Methods: 202 students from undergraduate psychology courses at a private university in Southern California (77.7% women) completed anonymous self-report measures. Results: A hierarchical regression model found no differences in DSH history across demographic variables. Among coping variables, self-isolation alone was significantly related to DSH. A full meditational model was supported: Depressive symptoms were significantly related to DSH, but adding self-isolation to the model rendered the relationship nonsignificant. Limitations: The cross-sectional study design prevents determination of whether a casual relation exists between self-isolation and DSH, and obscures the direction of that relationship. Conclusions: Results suggest targeting self-isolation as a means of DSH prevention and intervention among nonclinical, youth populations.

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Does Dispositional Mindfulness Predict the Development of Grit?

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000252 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 39 (2) ◽

pp. 76-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Buaphrao Raphiphatthana ◽

Paul Jose ◽

Karen Salmon

Keyword(s):

Undergraduate Students ◽

Online Survey ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Dispositional Mindfulness ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Report Data ◽

Self Report Data ◽

Acting With Awareness ◽

Mindfulness Facets

Abstract. Grit, that is, perseverance and passion for long-term goals, is a novel construct that has gained attention in recent years ( Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, & Kelly, 2007 ). To date, little research has been performed with the goal of identifying the antecedents of grit. Thus, in order to fill this gap in the literature, self-report data were collected to examine whether mindfulness, a mindset of being-in-the-present in a nonjudgmental way, plays a role in fostering grittiness. Three hundred and forty-three undergraduate students completed an online survey once in a cross-sectional study, and of these, 74 students completed the survey again 4.5 months later. Although the cross-sectional analyses identified a number of positive associations between mindfulness and grit, the longitudinal analysis revealed that the mindfulness facets of acting with awareness and non-judging were the most important positive predictors of grit 4.5 months later. This set of findings offers implications for future grit interventions.

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Individual differences related to present and future mental orientation predict the sense of time

10.31234/osf.io/ezmhp ◽

2017 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Marc Wittmann ◽

Henrike Fiedler ◽

Wilhelm Gros ◽

Julia Mossbridge ◽

Cintia Retz Lucci

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

Time Perspective ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Self Report ◽

Reproduction Task ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Waiting Period ◽

Frequency Scale ◽

Temporal Intervals ◽

Sense Of Time

With this cross-sectional study we investigated how individual differences regarding present- and future-oriented mental processes are related to the experience of time in the seconds and minutes range. A sample of students (N = 100) filled out self-report measures of time perspective (ZTPI), mindfulness (FMI), impulsiveness (BIS), and the daydreaming frequency scale (DDFS). Furthermore they were asked to (a) retrospectively judge the duration of a waiting period of five minutes, and (b) to prospectively perform an visual duration reproduction task with intervals of 3, 6, and 9 seconds. Regression models show that (a) being more present fatalistic (ZTPI) and more impulsive are related to longer duration estimates of the waiting period, and (b) having a stronger propensity to daydream leads to a stronger under-reproduction of temporal intervals. These findings show how personality traits related to present orientation are associated with the state-like perception of duration.

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Does COVID-19 change dietary habits and lifestyle behaviours in Kuwait: a community-based cross-sectional study

Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine ◽

10.1186/s12199-020-00901-5 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Wafaa Husain ◽

Fatemah Ashkanani

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Fast Food ◽

Dietary Habits ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Lifestyle Behaviours ◽

Late Night ◽

Main Meal

Abstract Background The coronavirus pandemic has transformed and continues to transform and affect the daily lives of communities worldwide, particularly due to the lockdown restrictions. Therefore, this study was designed to understand the changes in dietary and lifestyle behaviours that are major determinants of health during the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online questionnaire using a convenience sample of 415 adults living in Kuwait (age range 18–73 years). Results The rate of skipping breakfast remained consistent, with a slight increase during the pandemic. Lunch remained the main reported meal before and during COVID-19. Compared to before COVID-19, people were much more likely have a late-night snack or meal during COVID-19 (OR = 3.57 (95% CI 1.79–7.26), p < 0.001). Moreover, there was a drastic decrease in the frequency of fast-food consumption during COVID-19, up to 82% reported not consuming fast food (p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in the percentage of participants who had their main meal freshly made (OR = 59.18 (95% CI 6.55–1400.76), p = 0.001). Regarding food group patterns, no significant differences were found before and during the pandemic in terms of the weekly frequency of consumption, except in the case of fish and seafood. There were no remarkable changes in beverage consumption habits among participants before and during the pandemic, except for Americano coffee and fresh juice. Furthermore, there was a great reduction in physical activity and an increase in the amount of screen time and sedentary behaviours. A notable increase was detected in day-time sleep and a decrease in night-time sleep among participants. Conclusion In general, this study indicates some changes in daily life, including changes in some eating practices, physical activity and sleeping habits during the pandemic. It is important that the government considers the need for nutrition education programmes and campaigns, particularly during this critical period of the pandemic in Kuwait.

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Prevalence of disabilities and non-communicable diseases in an elderly population in the Telangana state, India: a population-based cross-sectional study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041755 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e041755

Author(s):

Srinivas Marmamula ◽

Satya Brahmanandam Modepalli ◽

Thirupathi Reddy Kumbham ◽

Rajesh Challa ◽

Jill E Keeffe

Keyword(s):

Elderly Population ◽

Self Care ◽

The Elderly ◽

Population Based ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Self Report ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Non Communicable Diseases

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of disabilities (vision, hearing, mobility, cognitive, self-care and communication) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the elderly population in two districts in Telangana, India.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional study using a cluster random sampling method to select the study clusters.SettingElderly population in Khammam and Warangal districts were recruited. Detailed interviews were conducted by trained community health workers. Personal and demographic information such as age, gender, level of education and a self-report of NCDs was collected. The Washington Disability Questionnaire was administered to assess the presence of disabilities.Participants1821 participants aged ≥60 years, 54.5% were women, and 73.3% had no education.Primary outcome measurePrevalence of disabilities and NCDs.ResultsOverall, the prevalence of at least disability was 20.3% (95% CI 16.3 to 24.9). The prevalence of self- reported disabilities were: seeing (5.9%; 95% CI 4.4 to 7.8), mobility (12.8%; 95% CI 9.7 to 16.8), hearing (3.6%; 95% CI 2.7 to 4.8), cognition (4.8%; 95% CI 3.5 to 6.7), self-care (3.3%; 95% CI 2.3 to 4.7) and communication (1.8%; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6). Overall, the prevalence of at least one NCD was 34.2% (95% CI 30.9 to 37.7). Hypertension was the most common systemic condition (25.4%; 95% CI 22.4 to 28.7), followed by diabetes (9.0%; 95% CI 7.3 to 11.0), and body pains (muscle-skeletal) (9.9%; 95% CI 8.1 to 12.2).ConclusionEvery fifth elderly person in the districts of Khammam and Warangal in Telangana had at least one self-reported disability. Besides, a third of the elderly had at least one NCD. There is a definite need to develop comprehensive public health strategies to address disabilities and NCDs in Telangana.

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Caffeine Health Claims on Sports Supplement Labeling. Analytical Assessment According to EFSA Scientific Opinion and International Evidence and Criteria

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26072095 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (7) ◽

pp. 2095

Author(s):

Pedro Estevan Navarro ◽

Isabel Sospedra ◽

Alejandro Perales ◽

Cristina González-Díaz ◽

Rubén Jiménez-Alfageme ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Food Safety ◽

Endurance Performance ◽

Food Supplement ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

European Food Safety Authority ◽

Health Claims ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Strength Performance ◽

Scientific Opinion ◽

Term Performance

Caffeine is a food supplement widely consumed by athletes, but it has not been established. So far, the veracity of their labeling in terms of the dosage and cause/effect relationship aimed at the consumer. The aim is to analyze the health claims and the dosage presented on the labeling of caffeine supplements and to evaluate if they follow the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and international criteria. A descriptive cross-sectional study of a sample of caffeine supplements was carried out. The search was done through the Amazon and Google Shopping web portals. In order to assess the adequacy of the health claims, the guidelines of reference established by European Food Safety Authority were compared to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, International Olympic Committee, and Australian Institute of Sport guidelines; in addition, recent systematic reviews were addressed. A review of labels of 42 caffeine supplements showed that, in less than 3% of the products were the health claims supported by the recommendations and by the labeled quantity of caffeine. The claims that fully complied the recommendations were, “improves or increases endurance performance”, “improves strength performance”, or “improves short-term performance”. In most cases, the recommended dosage was 200 mg/day for these products, which is the minimum for the caffeine effects to be declared. The rest of the health claims were not adequate or need to be modified. Most of the health claims identified indicated an unproven cause and effect, which constitutes consumer fraud, and so must be modified or eliminated.

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