Knowledge and Attitude of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Students regarding Food Hygiene in Disasters

Introduction: Access to nutritious and sanitary food is crucial for maintaining a healthy life under any circumstances, with particular significance during disasters. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness and attitudes towards food safety during disasters among students at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This study was conducted in 2022 using a cross-sectional descriptive design. The sample consisted of 350 students from the Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences. The research tools comprised a demographic survey and a researcher-developed questionnaire assessing knowledge and attitudes towards food hygiene during disasters. Following data collection, it was inputted into SPSS 24 and analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, and independent t-tests. Results: The average age of the students involved in the study was 21.25 ± 3.17. The average knowledge and attitude scores of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences students regarding food hygiene during disasters were 80.80 ± 5.22 and 22.00 ± 10.51, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the knowledge level and the educational level of the participants. Television and radio were identified as the primary sources of information on food hygiene during disasters, while friends and family were the least utilized sources. Conclusion: Based on the study findings, it is recommended to enhance public education on food hygiene during disasters as a core curriculum in medical science universities. This education should be widely implemented across various departments and faculties to reach a broader audience. The use of mass media, particularly radio and television, should be prioritized for effective dissemination of information.

Knowledge and Attitude of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences Students regarding Food Hygiene in Disasters Keywords:

Knowledge , Attitude , Student , Food Hygiene , Disaster