Food Safety Matters: A Survey on Knowledge and Management of Food Poisoning

Abstract

Background: Food safety is a paramount concern for public health, and university students represent a demographic with unique dietary habits and living arrangements that may influence their food safety practices. Methods: This cross-sectional survey study aimed to investigate the knowledge, awareness, and practices related to food safety among 200 university students at Daffodil International University from October to December 2023. The questionnaire was administered during face-to-face viva sessions, allowing for personalized interactions and translation assistance when needed. Results: The results of the study unveil a diverse demographic profile among the participants, with a predominant representation of female respondents (75%) and individuals aged between 18 and 22 years constituting the majority (70%). Noteworthy strengths were observed in participants' familiarity with balanced diets (85%), comprehensive knowledge of common foodborne pathogens (90%), and a robust confidence level in safe food handling practices (80%). However, areas for improvement were identified, indicating a need for targeted interventions. Specifically, there is room for enhancement in the frequency of sanitizing kitchen surfaces, where only 40% of participants demonstrated optimal practices. Additionally, a quarter of the participants exhibited a gap in understanding airborne transmission of foodborne illnesses, highlighting an opportunity for educational initiatives in this aspect. These findings offer valuable insights into the nuanced landscape of food safety practices among university students, providing a foundation for tailored interventions aimed at strengthening existing strengths and addressing identified areas for improvement. Conclusion: This survey study provides valuable insights into the food safety practices of university students, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions. The findings contribute to the development of educational programs aimed at enhancing food safety awareness and behaviors within the university student population. The inclusive data collection process, involving face-toface interactions and translations, enhances the robustness of the study. Future research may explore broader samples across diverse institutions to further enrich our understanding of food safety practices among university students.