Hygienic Practice and Associated Factors Among Food Handlers at School Feeding Center in Addis Ababa City Primary School, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2023.

Abstract

Abstract Background: In Ethiopia, there are food safety policies, proclamations, regulations, and directives focusing on formal food sectors, but there are limitations on implementing the required food safety standards and overlooking mass catering establishments such as school feeding centers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the level of food hygiene practices and associated factors among food handlers at school feeding center in the primary schools of Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia. Methods and materials: A cross sectional study design was conducted in 403 food handlers in the primary school feeding center in Addis Ababa city. Food handlers were selected using a simple random selection procedure. The data was collected using a structured interview questionnaire tool and observation. Data was analayzed throughSPSS version 25. With a 95% confidence interval [CI], multivariate logistic regression was performed. In the multi-variable analysis, variables with p value 0.05 were considered statistically significant and independent predictors of hygienic food handling practises. Result:Atotal of 391 female foodhandlerswere participated in this study with 97% response rate; the Mean age of food handler was 44.14±6.20; We foundabout109 (27.9%) food handler’s had good food hygienic practice with 95% CI፡ 23.3-32.2.Working experience (AOR=3.0, 95%CI: 2.16-4.16, P<0.0001), hand washing facility(AOR=2.83, 95%CI: 1.43-5.58,P=0.003), medical checkup certificate(AOR=3.68;95%CI:1.73-7.85, p=0.001), hand washing facility in kitchen(AOR=3.12; 95%CI:1.14-8.48, p=0.026), dish washing sink in kitchen (AOR=2.59; 95%CI=1.42-6.14, p=0.004), and separate dressing room(AOR= 4.54;95%CI: 2.27 9.07,P<0.0001), were had statistically significant association with food hygienic practice Coclusion:The prevalence of good food hygienic practice among food handlers in Addis Ababa city primary school feeding center significantly low,which necessitating more attention and commitment from government side, school management staff and food handlers to improve food hygiene practice, and regular followup and investiment are required to ensure the practice of good food hygiene handling. Key Words: Food Hygiene Practice; Food Handler; School Feeding; Addis Ababa;