Food Safety in Sub-urban Market: Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Hand Hygiene in Wadata Market, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

A large number of males and females are engaged in the provision of food in Wadata market. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of infection prevention (IP). When optimally performed, hand hygiene reduces healthcare-associated infections (HAI), spread and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Poor compliance with hand hygiene practices remains a challenge for IP practitioners all over the world. More than 250 foodborne diseases are caused by bacteria or parasites. This study was conducted using a descriptive cross-sectional study of 138 respondents in Wadata market. Peer-reviewed and pilot tested questionnaires were employed. The questionnaires were classified into four sections namely-socio - demographic characteristics, knowledge on hand hygiene, attitude towards food hygiene and hygiene practices. Data analysis was done using Epi info a software package for statistical analysis version 23. Majority (40.6%) of the respondents were between the ages of 21-30 years. There were more females (80.6%) food vendors than males. Over 65% of the respondents had education above secondary school; and most of them obtained information on hand hygiene from mass media. Over 62% could define hand hygiene correctly while more than 90% had positive attitude towards hand hygiene. The practice level of the respondents of hand hygiene in this study was poor 42.7%. There was significant association between educational status and knowledge of hand hygiene (p<0.05). Overall knowledge of hand hygiene of the respondents was good and they had positive attitude towards hand hygiene but this did not strictly translate to good practices of hand hygiene.