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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Janice Adams-King, RN, MS, OPAEO/FSES, USDA/FSIS, George Washington Carver Center, 5601 Sunnyside Avenue, L-290, Beltsville, MD 20705, 301-504-6754, janice.adams-king@fsis.usda.gov

Foodborne disease continues to be a public health challenge in the United States causing an estimated 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths annually. Reducing the incidence of foodborne illness requires the effort of those from farm to table. While all are susceptible to contracting a foodborne illness, at-risk populations are more vulnerable to experiencing a more severe illness or even death, and therefore must reduce their exposure to pathogens that are known to cause foodborne illness. Hence, at-risk populations and their caregivers must be aware of and practice safe food handling behaviors.

Historically, to promote safe food handling behaviors among at-risk populations and their caregivers, the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has developed various food safety educational materials for at-risk populations. However, to better target persons who have undergone a bone marrow and/or solid organ transplant, those with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer, and the elderly, FSIS conducted research and outreach with clinicians, and conducted focus groups with patients and caregivers.

The findings of the focus groups, as well as the guidance from the health professionals, will be shared. The communication channel will be showcased, and the social marketing strategy for disseminating the end-products will be shared.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Identify the pathophysiological and/or physiological factors that make these sub-groups more at-risk for contracting a foodborne illness that may result in adverse sequelae.
• 2. Describe qualitative analysis of the patient and caregiver focus groups.
• 3. Describe the guidance provided by clinicians.
• 4. Identify and share the communication channel, and discuss the dissemination strategy for reaching these sub-groups.
• 5. Enlist the public health community in enhancing information and education to at-risk audiences by providing them with the tools they need.

Keywords: Food Safety, Patient Education

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered