Knowledge and Practices Related to Food Hygiene among Food Handlers in Sokoto, Nigeria
Journal Title: International Journal of TROPICAL DISEASE & Health - Year 2017, Vol 26, Issue 1
Abstract
Introduction: Unsafe food poses global health threats, endangering everyone Vended foods are considered to be a public health hazard because the food handlers are often poor, have poor schooling and lack appreciation for food hygiene practices (particularly in developing countries). However, the restaurants have a large clientele base ranging from the rich to the poor who are exposed to these hazards and thus any outbreak of food borne illnesses could be disastrous. This study aimed to determine the knowledge and practice related to food hygiene among food handlers in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 263 food handlers selected by a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected with a set of pre-tested interviewer- administered, semi-structured questionnaire, and observer’s checklist. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20 statistical package. Results: The mean age of the respondents was 27.14 ± 8.84.years. Most of the respondents were females (82.9%), and a majority of respondents were single (52.5%), and had at least primary education (51.3%). Most, 198 (75.3%) of the 263 respondents had good knowledge of food hygiene, and close to two-thirds 152 (57.8%) had good knowledge of food borne illness. Although a majority of respondents consistently observe food hygiene practices such as covering their nose and mouth while sneezing (86.3%) and cooking food thoroughly (66.5%), compliance with the other food hygiene practices was poor (ranged from 1.1 to 35.4%). The sanitary condition in a substantial proportion of the restaurants was also poor. Conclusion: Despite good knowledge of food hygiene and food borne illnesses among the respondents in this study, they showed poor compliance with food hygiene practices; and the sanitary condition of a substantial proportion of the restaurants was poor. Promotion of good sanitary practices among food handlers and regulation of their practices by the government agencies concerned to ensure compliance with basic sanitary standards were suggested.
Authors and Affiliations
Ahunna Zainab Ezenwoko, Kehinde Joseph Awosan, Mansur Oche Oche, Muhammad Aliyu Makusidi, Bilkisu Gulma Abubakar, Ismail Abdullateef Raji
Predictors of Sexual Risk Practices among Women of Childbearing Age in Sub-urban Communities of Rivers State, Nigeria
Aim: The study was carried out to explore the sexual risk practices of women of childbearing age in sub-urban communities of Rivers State, Nigeria in order to redirect programme interventions. Study Design: The study ut...
Childhood Cerebral Malaria in Nigeria: Clinical Features, Treatment and Outcome
Aims: The study aimed at reviewing the clinical features, treatment and outcome of childhood cerebral malaria in a Nigerian health facility, to improve its management and outcome. Study Design: It is a retrospective stud...
Ownership of Bed Nets and Use by Children below 5 Years in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria
Aim: To document the level of ITNs ownership and utilization for children within the Sagamu Local Government Area in Ogun State three years after the commencement of major distribution exercise of this simple tool. Study...
Predictors of Low Body Mass Index Among Patients with Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Kenya
Aim: To determine the predictors of low body mass index (BMI) among tuberculosis (TB) cases in three high TB/HIV burden provinces in Kenya. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey, July 2010 to May 2011. Study Setting: Thr...
Cases of Dog Bite in Aba, Abia State Nigeria and Its Public Health Significance
Background: Dog bite cases poses a major public health threat in Nigeria. Majority of rabies infection in humans are due to bites from rabid dogs which are mainly local breed. Research carried out in Nigeria has establis...