KNOWLEDGE ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE AMONG FOOD HANDLERS OF QAMC AND BVH BAHAWALPUR

Introduction: Food is an important basic necessity. It’s procurement, preparation and consumption is vital for the sustenance of life. Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding food hygiene among the food handlers of canteens in BVH/QAMC. Material and methods: This descriptive study was conducted in July 2017 to December 2107. Data is collected through a preformed questionnaire. There were 2 parts of the questionnaire. First part comprises of questions relating to knowledge, attitude and practices of food handlers. Second part comprises of the information observed by the researchers, regarding the hygiene of the food handlers and their surroundings. Results: Mean age of 100 food handlers was 32 years. Majority were males (93%) and the maximum number of participants in the age group of 21-30 years (40.4%). Majority of the food handlers had poor knowledge regarding food borne diseases (64%). Most of the participants have the attitude of serving hot food (89%). All (100%) the food handlers wash hands before food preparation while (58%) use gloves for food preparation. Majority of the food handlers clean their workplace twice a day (57%). There is adequate protection of food from flies in most of the canteens (85%). Most of the food handlers had clean hands (69%) and finger nails (84%). Conclusion: Majority of the study participants have poor knowledge related to food borne diseases but positive attitude and practices towards food hygiene while food preparation.