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Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research article

Factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices among meat handlers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Md. Hasan Al Banna, Tasnim Rahman Disu, Satyajit Kundu, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Keith Brazendale, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Joshua Okyere, Nahidur Rahman, Shuvajit Mondal, Bidyut Matubber, Md Shafiqul Islam Khan

Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Food handlers can play a vital role into reducing foodborne diseases by adopting appropriate food handling and sanitation practices in working plants. This study aimed to assess the factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices among meat handlers who work at butcher shops in Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 meat handlers from January to March, 2021. Data were collected through in-person interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of three parts; socio-demographic characteristics, assessments of food safety knowledge, and food safety practices. A multiple logistic regression model was used to identify the factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices.

Results

Only 20% [95% confidence interval, (CI) 15.7–24.7] and 16.3% (95% CI 12.3–20.7) of the respondents demonstrated good levels of food safety knowledge and practices, respectively. The factors associated with good levels of food safety knowledge were: having a higher secondary education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 4.57, 95% CI 1.11–18.76], income above 25,000 BDT/month (AOR = 10.52, 95% CI 3.43–32.26), work experience of > 10 years (AOR = 9.31, 95% CI 1.92–45.09), ≥ 8 h per day of work (AOR = 6.14, 95% CI 2.69–13.10), employed on a daily basis (AOR = 4.05, 95% CI 1.16–14.14), and having food safety training (AOR = 8.98 95% CI 2.16–37.32). Good food safety knowledge (AOR = 5.68, 95% CI 2.33–13.87) and working ≥ 8 h per day (AOR = 8.44, 95% CI 3.11–22.91) were significantly associated with a good level of food safety practice.

Conclusions

Poor knowledge and practices regarding food safety were found among Bangladeshi meat handlers. Findings may help public health professionals and practitioners develop targeted strategies to improve food safety knowledge and practices among this population. Such strategies may include education and sensitization on good food safety practices.

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Title: Factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices among meat handlers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Md. Hasan Al Banna
Tasnim Rahman Disu
Satyajit Kundu
Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
Keith Brazendale
Abdul-Aziz Seidu
Joshua Okyere
Nahidur Rahman
Shuvajit Mondal
Bidyut Matubber
Md Shafiqul Islam Khan
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine / Issue 1/2021
Print ISSN: 1342-078X
Electronic ISSN: 1347-4715
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12199-021-01004-5

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Factors associated with food safety knowledge and practices among meat handlers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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