Asma Pourtaheri, Mohammad-Ali Morowati-Sharifabad, Hossein Falahzadeh, Jalal Sadeqizadeh

Abstract

Introduction: Foodborne illnesses are caused by microbial pathogens entering the food chain. Unsafe food handling is the main culprit in the transmission of foodborne illnesses. Given the importance of the subject and the limited number of studies conducted on the subject in Iran, the present study investigates food handling behaviors in women in Kerman city. Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted on 320 women in Kerman, Iran, and responsible for food handling and preparation at home. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire consisting of items on participants’ personal details, food handling behaviors (cleaning, cross-contamination, cooking and chilling) and the Health Belief Model constructs (perceived sensitivity, perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and cues to action). Results: The mean age of participants were 40.02±12.52. Cross-contamination behaviors received the highest and chilling behaviors the lowest scores of food handling. Food handling behaviors and the constructs of the Health Belief Model showed no significant correlations with age, household size, the number of children, marital status and the frequency of meal preparation at home. Perceived severity, perceived benefits, perceived barriers and cues to action predicted 18% of food handling behaviors. Conclusion: The poor results obtained appear to be due to the lack of food handling knowledge. Research and educational programs targeting food handling behaviors should therefore address the weaknesses and strengths observed in each behavior and place a particular emphasis on chilling behaviors.