Irja Haapala1, Claudia Probart. 1. Department of Public Health and General Practice, University of Kuopio, Kuopio, Finland. irja.haapala@uku.fi
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of food safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported food-handling behaviors among middle school students. DESIGN: Baseline questionnaire administered in class that assessed background characteristics, knowledge, behaviors, and perceptions related to food safety. PARTICIPANTS: 178 seventh and eighth grade students from 4 schools in central Pennsylvania. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported food-handling behaviors. ANALYSIS: Independent samples t test tested differences between genders and bivariate correlation analysis explored associations among knowledge, perceptions, and behavior (P <.05). RESULTS: Food safety knowledge score was 7.2 +/- 1.6 of a maximum of 10 points. Perceived self-efficacy and severity of a foodborne illness were high, but perceived susceptibility was low. Girls scored higher on the self-efficacy and severity scale (P <.01). Self-efficacy correlated positively with knowledge and behavior (P <.0001) and severity with knowledge (P <.01). One fifth reported taking risks in food handling and one fifth reported having been sick because of something they ate. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There is a disconnection between middle school students' food safety knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors. A need for relevant and motivating food safety education exists in this group.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of food safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported food-handling behaviors among middle school students. DESIGN: Baseline questionnaire administered in class that assessed background characteristics, knowledge, behaviors, and perceptions related to food safety. PARTICIPANTS: 178 seventh and eighth grade students from 4 schools in central Pennsylvania. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Food safety knowledge, perceptions, and self-reported food-handling behaviors. ANALYSIS: Independent samples t test tested differences between genders and bivariate correlation analysis explored associations among knowledge, perceptions, and behavior (P <.05). RESULTS: Food safety knowledge score was 7.2 +/- 1.6 of a maximum of 10 points. Perceived self-efficacy and severity of a foodborne illness were high, but perceived susceptibility was low. Girls scored higher on the self-efficacy and severity scale (P <.01). Self-efficacy correlated positively with knowledge and behavior (P <.0001) and severity with knowledge (P <.01). One fifth reported taking risks in food handling and one fifth reported having been sick because of something they ate. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: There is a disconnection between middle school students' food safety knowledge, perceptions, and behaviors. A need for relevant and motivating food safety education exists in this group.
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