The Association Between Bangladeshi Adults’ Demographics, Personal Beliefs, and Nutrition Literacy: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Poverty and health illiteracy, combined with inappropriate systems to track disease and infection rates, contribute to children-and-mothers’ poor adherence to nutrient-rich foods intake in Bangladesh. Although risk factors for child and pregnant women malnutrition have been explored, the relationship between Bangladeshi adults’ nutrition literacy and their demographics and personal beliefs remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adults’ nutrition literacy, demographics and personal beliefs in a large sample of Bangladeshi adults. Methods: Four hundred adults from two districts (Dhaka and Chattogram) of Bangladesh participated in a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected by interviews using a structured questionnaire containing the Nutrition Literacy Scale. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze associations between nutrition literacy and related factors. Results: The mean nutrition literacy score was 21.6 (SD: 3.7; range: 11–32) on a scale of 32. Multiple linear regression revealed that being a businessman (β = 1.66, p = 0.013) or private employee (β = 1.08, p = 0.030), having a higher family income (β = 1.17, p = 0.009), and a higher educational level were positively associated with higher nutrition literacy scores compared to their counterparts. Participants who had ever completed a nutrition-related course (β = 4.95, p < 0.001), and who perceived themselves as having a need for accessing nutrition-related information were positively associated with the higher nutrition literacy compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the need for an integrated response plan involving educational interventions and accessible dietary plans targeting adult populations to enhance their nutritional literacy

Knowledge and awareness about food safety, foodborne diseases, and microbial hazards: A cross-sectional study among Bangladeshi consumers of street-vended foods

Maintaining quality and safety of street-vended foods (SVFs) is a challenge and a public health priority in low-and middle-income countries due to its affordability, availability and association with foodborne diseases and microbial hazards. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of food safety, foodborne diseases, and microbial hazards among Bangladeshi consumers of SVFs. A cross-sectional survey was administered among 650 Bangladeshi adults who purchase and consume SVFs. The mean food safety knowledge score of consumers was 10.73 (SD = 2.84, range: 3–18), indicating moderate knowledge. Multiple linear regression analysis found that male consumers (B = -0.549, p < 0.030), consumers with ‘no formal education’ (B = −1.815, p < 0.045), and consumers with ‘secondary education’ (B = −1.476, p < 0.016) were less knowledgeable about food safety compared to their counterparts. Older consumers (36–45 years) were more knowledgeable about food safety compared to younger consumers (18–25 years) (B = 1.300, p < 0.011). Three-quarters of the respondents (76.9%) were not always confident about food safety issues when they bought SVFs, and affordability was the main reason (37.8%) for purchasing SVFs. Increased education and awareness on food safety education for Bangladeshi consumers of SVFs is needed, specifically targeting young adult males, and individuals with lower educational backgrounds

Assessment of food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of street food vendors in Chattogram city, Bangladesh: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract Introduction Street food has become popular in developing countries due to its affordability, availability and taste. Maintaining the quality and safety of street food is linked to the vendors’ appropriate food handling practices to reduce foodborne illness. Therefore, this study aimed to assess food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices of street food vendors in Chattogram city, Bangladesh. Methods A cross‐sectional study was carried out among 302 street food vendors from December 2020 to March 2021. Data were collected by in‐person interviews through a structured questionnaire. Independent sample t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices scores across socio‐demographic variables. Results The mean score of food safety knowledge, attitudes and practices was 8.99 (SD = 4.17, range: 1–18), 8.46 (SD = 3.51, range: 1–16) and 17.78 (SD = 5.74, range: 1–34), respectively. The food safety knowledge scores significantly (p < 0.05) differed by the participants’ age, marital status, income, residence and work experience. The average food safety attitudes score significantly (p < 0.05) varied by age, marital status, income, and education level. The average food safety practices score significantly (p < 0.05) differed by the respondents’ education level and work experience. Conclusion Our findings suggest that food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices were poor among street food vendors. Therefore, there is a need for strategies and intervention programs such as food safety training and awareness campaigns as well as financial support to improve food safety knowledge, attitudes, and practices which help to reduce foodborne illness