Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Elementary School Children Regarding Food Hygiene and Safety

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate food hygiene and safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among the elementary school children, and furthermore, to explain the interrelations among these three variables. A second purpose was to compare gender differences of KAP. Methods: A self-administered, structured questionnaire was designed and completed by 376 elementary school children. A five-point Likert scale with twenty questions was used to gather information. Data was analyzed by frequency analysis, Pearson's correlation and analysis of variance or Student's t-test. Results: Children generally had good knowledge of food hygiene and safety, and knowledge of children was superior to the attitudes and also to their practices (p < 0.05). The attitude score was mediated between knowledge and practice scores. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between boys and girls in an item of knowledge, three items of attitudes, and six items of practices. A significant positive correlations were observed between knowledge and practices (${\gamma}$ = 0.70, p < 0.001), and between attitudes and practices (${\gamma}$ = 0.45, p < 0.001), as well as between attitudes and practices (${\gamma}$ = 0.51, p < 0.001), revealing that increased knowledge and even attitudes toward food hygiene safety could result in positive change in practices or behaviors. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that despite good knowledge and attitudes of children, their practices toward food hygiene and safety are not acceptable. Gender differences in practices were highlighted. In order to create effective educational interventions on the food hygiene and safety of children, a better understanding of their awareness and the required related information is necessary.

초등학생의 식품위생안전에 대한 지식, 태도 및 실천에 관한 연구