IMPACT OF A FOOD SANITATION PROGRAM ON KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOR OF PRIMARY SCHOOL FOOD HANDLERS MUEANG LOEI DISTRICT, LOEI PROVINCE

Abstract

      This quasi-experimental study aimed to: 1) compare food handlers' knowledge of food sanitation management in primary schools before and after a promotion program; 2) compare their food sanitation and personal hygiene practices before and after the program; and 3) examine coliform bacterial contamination in food, drinking water, food containers, and handlers' hands. The population comprised 80 food handlers from primary schools in Kud Pong Subdistrict, Mueang District, Loei Province, Thailand. Research instruments included: 1) general information questionnaire; 2) knowledge assessment on food sanitation and personal hygiene; 3) practice assessment on food sanitation and personal hygiene; and 4) coliform contamination recording form. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test.

         Results showed significant improvements in food handlers' knowledge (p < 0.001), from a mean of 67.60% (SD = 7.65) to 80.80% (SD = 6.90), and practices (p < 0.001), from a mean of 3.40 (moderate level) to 3.64 (good level). Coliform contamination was detected in 20% of food and hands, 25% of containers, and 0% of drinking water.

         In conclusion, the food sanitation promotion program effectively enhanced knowledge and practices among food handlers, providing a model for developing school-based sanitation programs and supporting sustainable food safety initiatives in educational settings.