Research Article
Knowledge Gaps in Food Safety Practices Among Street Food Vendors in the Tamale Metropolis, Ghana
Abukari Salifu*,
Abdul Muizz Muktar
,
Abdul-Matin Alhassan
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-12
Received:
17 October 2024
Accepted:
6 December 2024
Published:
9 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251001.11
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Abstract: Majority of food handlers have poor knowledge of the proper cleaning of equipment, cross-contamination prevention, foodborne diseases, food temperature danger zones, and correct procedures for thawing frozen food (Moore et al., 2019). This study aimed at assessing the knowledge gaps in food safety practices among street food vendors in Tamale Metropolis. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 384 food vendors selected using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results showed that the majority of food vendors had a high level of knowledge of food safety practices, and so wash their hands with soap and water before handling food, and then inspecting the quality of foodstuffs before using them. However, very few food vendors used protective gear such as gloves or aprons, indicating a gap in food safety practices. Cultural beliefs and access to resources were not significant barriers to adopting food safety practices. The study also found that more than half of vendors had good food safety practices, while a few ones had inadequate or subpar practices. According to the study's conclusions, food vendors in Tamale Metropolis must follow food safety regulations. Targeted interventions by the environmental health unit and food drug authority (EHU/FDA) are needed to improve understanding and adherence to food safety requirements, as seen by the majority of vendors who lack sufficient expertise.
Abstract: Majority of food handlers have poor knowledge of the proper cleaning of equipment, cross-contamination prevention, foodborne diseases, food temperature danger zones, and correct procedures for thawing frozen food (Moore et al., 2019). This study aimed at assessing the knowledge gaps in food safety practices among street food vendors in Tamale Metro...
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Research Article
Reducing Social Inequalities in Access to Dental Care in Senegal: Evaluation of a Flat-Rate Pricing Program at the Health District Level
Serigne Ndame Dieng*,
Amadou Dieng,
Alimatou Diallo,
Mbathio Diop,
Aïda Kanouté,
Massamba Diouf
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
13-18
Received:
17 December 2024
Accepted:
27 December 2024
Published:
14 January 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.wjph.20251001.12
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Objectives In Africa, profound social inequalities exist in access to oral health care, with one of the principal determinants being financial factors. To overcome this financial barrier, Senegal has implemented the Program for Support of Supply and Demand for Care (PAODES). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the program on improving access to oral health for affected people. Methods This study was conducted in the health districts of Sokone, the intervention site where PAODES was established, and Bambey, the control site where routine activities were maintained. A quasi-experimental study was conducted on 110 patients at each site who were consulted in oral health services. A questionnaire allowed us to collect sociodemographic data and data on the evaluation of intervention effects, including the renouncement of oral health and the cost of care. The relative risk (RR) and the attributable fraction (AF) were calculated. Results There was a significant difference of 13.6% at the intervention site compared to 39.1% at the control site (p=0.0001). The relative risk (RR) was 0.33 (0.19-0.57). The fraction attributable to the intervention was 33.42% (21.77-42.05) among the general population and 67.14% (43.52-80.89) among those who received the intervention. Conclusion The results of the study showed that a flat-rate pricing program aimed at reducing the financial burden on access to oral health care services had a positive impact. This demonstrated that a decrease in social inequalities regarding access to oral health can surpass financial barriers.
Abstract: Objectives In Africa, profound social inequalities exist in access to oral health care, with one of the principal determinants being financial factors. To overcome this financial barrier, Senegal has implemented the Program for Support of Supply and Demand for Care (PAODES). Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the program...
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