Mothers' knowledge regarding preventive measures of food poisoning in alemtidad area

Background: Food poisoning outbreaks are one of the main health problems globally, having an extensive impact on human welfare. The World Health Organization considers them as the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and responsible for high levels of loss of productivity in developed countries together with other foodborne diseases. Objective: this study aims to assess the mothers' knowledge regarding preventive measures of food poisoning in Alemtidad area. Method: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional community-based study; it was conducted in Alemtidad area during period extended from September to December 2012, it involved 88 mothers selected by simple randomization. Data were collected by using structured designed questionnaire which was analyzed (SPSS) program version 20. Result: Among 88 mothers interviewed, it was found that; mothers' knowledge about preventive measures for food poisoning is satisfactory concerning hand washing, washing vegetables and cooking appropriately. The economic status, level of education, and housing condition are not predicting factors influencing level of mothers' knowledge about food poisoning. Conclusion: The researcher concludes that mothers in Alemtidad area have acceptable level of knowledge about food poisoning. There is need for strengthening the situation through conducting education session and further studies should be conducted in order to explore the prevailing problem of all daily life activities.