Longitudinal analysis of foodborne disease outbreaks in Saudi Arabia: Trends and demographic patterns (2017-2023).

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the long-term patterns of foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) in Saudi Arabia between 2017-2023 using longitudinal data analysis models.

Methods: A 7-year longitudinal study was carried out on FBDO data from all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia. This study examined 5 outcomes: the number of FBDOs, FBDO cases, and FBDO cases classified by gender, nationality, and age groups. The analysis used generalized estimating equations and generalized linear mixed models based on a negative binomial distribution.

Results: The findings revealed a significant decrease in FBDO counts and cases from 2017-2020, followed by an increase until 2023. Public sources consistently reported higher numbers of FBDOs and cases than home sources. No substantial difference was observed in FBDO cases between men and women. Saudi nationals had higher FBDO case counts than non-Saudi residents. The age groups 5-19 years and 20-49 years exhibited the highest FBDO case numbers.

Conclusion: The observed patterns, particularly the decline toward 2020 and the subsequent increase, underscore the necessity for adaptable public health strategies to mitigate the heightened incidence following the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia and may inform future prevention and control measures.