Description
Background
Street food vending is part of the eating culture in many low-middle income countries despite the associated public health concern of food borne diseases including typhoid fever. Food handlers play an significant role in the transmission of food-borne diseases.
Objective:
This study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitude and practices related to typhoid fever among food handlers operating street food vending premises in Kiamaina Location Bahati Sub-County.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted, where 300 food handlers operating street food vendors in Kiamaina Location were included. Data was collected through structured questionnaire and interviews. Univariate analysis was performed for main demographic characteristics and contributory factors to typhoid fever among the food handlers.
Results
Respondents included 300 food handlers; 53% females, with the largest proportion being of over 31years. Sixty percent of food handlers were primary educated. Knowledge on typhoid fever transmission was high (74%) and most food handlers understood that the typhoid fever is curable. Despite the positive attitude towards typhoid fever immunization, majority (74%) of respondents felt that responsibility prevention and control measures implementation was the responsibility of the public health officer or business owner. Lack of water, poor waste disposing facilities, consumption of untreated water for drinking and cooking as well as poor handwashing practices were contributory factors to typhoid fever infection.
Conclusion: Knowledge and attitudes on typhoid fever among food handlers is inadequate. There is need to improve hygiene practices and environmental street food vending premises.
