Effectiveness of an intervention package on knowledge, attitude, and practices of food handlers in a tertiary care hospital of north India: A before and after comparison study
Journal Title: Medical Journal Armed Forces - Year 2017, Vol 73, Issue 1
Abstract
Background: Food-borne illnesses have been a recognized hazard for decades. Recent promulgation of Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, indicates the concern of our Govt. for food safety. Research on effectiveness of food safety interventions in our country is remarkably scarce. Hence, the present study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of north India to create evidence-based results for food safety interventions. Methods: The study was before and after intervention trial which was registered with CTRI. Data collection was paperless using a software. All food handlers (n = 280) working inside the hospital were recruited. Intervention package comprised Self-Instructional Manual in Hindi for food handlers, short film for sensitization of food handlers on food safety titled 'Gravy Extra', and a documentary titled 'Food Safety from farm to Fork'. Chi square test, paired t test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test were used. Results: The mean age of food handlers was 35 + - 2 years.Majority (61.7%) of food handlers were educated less than 10th standard. Nearly 60% of them had up to five years of experience. At base line majority (68.9%) had a fair knowledge about food safety issues. There was a significant improvement in food safety knowledge and practice score of food handlers after the intervention ( p < 0.05). Their attitude toward food safety changed in a positive direction ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: The intervention package was useful in improving the knowledge, creating a positive attitude and enhancing the food safety practices of food handlers working inside a tertiary care hospital.
Authors and Affiliations
Puja Dudeja
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP635076
- DOI 10.1016/j.mjafi.2016.10.002
- Views 60
- Downloads 0
Game of thorns: Modern day opium
With the advent of internet and mobile communication the virtual space of world wide web has become a playground; people plugged in to it at distant horizon completely unfamiliar to each other are players; keyboard, touc...
Publish first, retract later. Is it time for introspection?
Retraction of a scholarly article has long been considered an important self regulatory and corrective measure where there have been serious research flaws, error or publication misconduct. Retraction of a published arti...
Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for rapid identification of Mycobacterium abscessus
Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly being implicated in infections and have become an important cause of health care associated infections. Mycobacterium abscessus, a rapidly growing mycobacteria, is...
Physical examination: The dying art
When was the last time we as clinicians have performed a thorough physical examination on a patient who has walked into our clinic? The answer would surprise the best of clinicians amongst us. The problem is, we are not...
Gallstone ileus: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge
Gallstone ileus first described in 1654 by Dr. Erasmus Bartholin, is a mechanical obstruction caused by impaction of one or more gall stones within gastrointestinal tract.1 Overall reported incidence is 1–4% of mechanica...