Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to assess the understanding and perspectives of food service workers regarding hygienic practices and safety protocols in Al-Ardha, a district in Jazan, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
The current cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2016 and included all food handlers working in food-serving areas in Al-Ardha governorate. A pre-tested, validated questionnaire containing closed-ended questions in English and Arabic was used. It included three sections: personal characteristics, knowledge and attitude of personal hygiene, and knowledge and attitude of food hygiene.
Results:
Out of 240 food handlers, 231 participated (response rate 96.3%). Their ages ranged from 18 to 53 years (mean, 30.6 ± 8.7), and most were non-Saudis (98.3%). Overall, good personal hygiene knowledge was reported among 77.5%, fair among 21.6%, and poor among 0.9%. Regarding food hygiene knowledge, good knowledge was reported among 75.8%, fair among 17.7%, and poor among 6.5%.
Conclusion:
Knowledge regarding personal and food hygiene among male food handlers in Ardha governorate, Jazan was “good” among most of the participants. However, deficient knowledge regarding some essential issues was observed. Moreover, this knowledge was not reflected in their hygienic attitude in many areas.

Key words: Food, food handlers, personal hygiene, preventive measures, Jazan