Food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices: A cross-sectional study among street food consumers in Bangladesh

Abstract

Street food in Bangladesh is growing popularity due to its affordable prices and accessibility for consumers. Food safety is crucial for human health. In Bangladesh, this is becoming a growing concern as it affects both health and lifestyle. This survey was conducted at Khulna district, to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) level of street food consumers about food safety. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed, involving 600 street food consumers. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the levels of KAP and identify associated factors. The knowledge score mean (SD) of consumer was 11.99 (2.76), attitude 18.44 (4.01), and practice 16.31 (4.71). Significant associations (p < 0.05) were observed among food safety knowledge and consumers age, education level, monthly income, smoking habits, and body mass index. Education level, frequency of eating, and body mass index were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with food safety attitudes. Notably, food safety practices were significantly associated (p <0.05) with education level, prior food safety knowledge, and body mass index. Despite a relatively high proportion of consumers 73.5% demonstrating good knowledge (≥ 75%), only 18.2% exhibited positive attitude, and 14.2% practiced good food safety practice. These findings highlight a substantial gap between knowledge and its application in daily food safety practices. Educational attainment and BMI emerged as a significant factor influencing all three KAP components. By identifying these challenges, our study provides targeted insights for building treatments, such as educational campaigns, age-specific interventions, and community-based education on food safety, that could effectively bridge the knowledge-practice divide.