Survey of food safety awareness among HIV positive individuals.
A survey was carried out by personal interview to assess the awareness of basic food hygiene and food safety amongst 77 HIV-positive individuals attending a single hospital. There was some confusion and lack of knowledge about aspects of food storage and despite the fact that 74% of subjects had modified their diet since learning their HIV status (mainly for nutritional reasons) only 25% reported receiving information on food safety. Of the subjects interviewed 96%, 66% and 23% were aware of the risks of infection from Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Cryptosporidium, respectively; although most were not aware of the UK Government's advice on the consumption of eggs, soft cheese, pâté and cook-chill foods. Over 40% of those interviewed reported that they did not drink tap water (most drank bottled water instead), but few were aware of infections potentially transmitted through water. Although pets represent a potential source of a wide variety of infectious agents, there was a high level of awareness of this problem. This study highlights the need for improving the availability of information on food hygiene and infections acquired through food and water to HIV-positive individuals.
Heathcock
R
R
Lambeth Lewisham and Southwark Health Authority, London, UK.
McLauchlin
J
J
Newton
L H
LH
Soltanpoor
N
N
Coker
R
R
Bignardi
G
G
McEvoy
M
M
D001364:Awareness; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D005511:Food Handling; D005519:Food Preservation; D005517:Foodborne Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D008297:Male; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012449:Safety