Nutritional and food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers serving a private hospital in Penang

Christine Denise Stewart (2012) Nutritional and food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of food handlers serving a private hospital in Penang. Universiti Malaysia Sabah. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

In response to the rising number of nutrition-related diseases in the country and the inadequate nutrient intake in some patients, hospitals have been offering more nutritious choice of food. Although guidelines are set in the provision of hospital food, food handlers still face challenges in providing food that complies with the nutrition and food safety policy. This study aims to understand the current level of nutritional and food safety knowledge of respondents and determine the effectiveness of intervention towards knowledge, attitudes and practices. The exploratory study using pre-test and post-test design involved 33 food handlers and diet technicians of a private hospital in Penang. The intervention on nutrition and food safety was developed based on pre-test. Refresher training and leaflets were given two months later. Self-administered questionnaire and kitchen observation checklist were used at the beginning and end of study. Majority respondents (58.3%) initially had insufficient nutritional and food safety knowledge indicating the need for intervention. There were significant differences between pre- and post-test scores (p<0.001) for knowledge, attitudes and practices. No significant difference was found between knowledge scores and attendance of training, but was found with level of education (p<0.05). Positive correlation was also found between nutritional and food safety knowledge and attitudes and practices in pre- and post-intervention. The combined knowledge gave the highest impact on improving overall attitudes and practices. Better food handling practices were observed during post-observation. The combined intervention, refresher training and brochures targeted on improving knowledge, attitudes and practices is an effective method. Continuous nutrition and food safety education is recommended

Item Type: Academic Exercise
Keyword: nutrient intake, choice of food, hospital food, nutrition, food safety policy, education
Subjects: T Technology > TX Home economics > TX1-1110 Home economics > TX341-641 Nutrition. Foods and food supply
Department: SCHOOL > School of Food Science and Nutrition
Depositing User: SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS -
Date Deposited: 16 Dec 2013 12:34
Last Modified: 11 Oct 2017 16:24
URI: https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/7789

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