ERIC Number: EJ1356313
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2158-2440
Food Safety Concerns and Practices among Palestinian University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study
Hussien, Ahmad A.; Abdellattif, Adnan H.; Abumunshar, Ali A.; Samara, Ahmad; Sharif, Labib; Alkaiyat, Abdulsalam; Koni, Amer A.; Zyoud, Sa'ed H.
SAGE Open, v12 n3 Jul-Sep 2022
University students constitute a target for risk-reduction interventions regarding food poisoning as they are among those with higher exposure to problematic food. This is particularly important since young adults' knowledge regarding measures to prevent foodborne illnesses was found to be inadequate. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding food safety and food poisoning among An-Najah National University Students and to investigate the correlation of their knowledge, attitudes, and practices with various socio-demographic characteristics and academic variables. The cross-sectional design was used, and the study occurred at An-Najah National University in Nablus. Data was collected using a native Arabic language face-to-face questionnaire. Verbal consent was obtained before initiation. The questionnaire has four parts that address students' demographic data, knowledge, attitudes, and practice. A sample of 450 students was invited to complete the questionnaire. Half the respondents were aged 17 to 20, and more than half (57.1%) were females. The median knowledge score was 10.00 [8.75-12.0]. A significant correlation was found between the food poisoning knowledge and attitude scores of students (r = 0.339, p < 0.001), a significant correlation between food poisoning knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.285, p < 0.001), and a significant correlation between attitude and practice scores (r = 0.429, p < 0.001). The current study found significant correlations between knowledge, attitude, and practices of university students regarding food safety. Female respondents also had better attitudes and more hygienic food practices. The results can help students prepare effective methods to understand food poisoning better and improve their knowledge and awareness. The study also indicates that more comprehensive and focused education regarding food safety is required for this population.
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, Food, Safety, College Students, Knowledge Level, Student Attitudes, Eating Habits, Poisoning, Correlation, Health Behavior, Gender Differences, Hygiene, Student Characteristics
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Palestine
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A