Prevalence and effectiveness of an education program on intestinal pathogens in food handlers.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of intestinal pathogens and the effectiveness of an education program in food handlers in a tertiary care hospital.


METHODS
The prevalence of intestinal pathogens in food handlers was done by stool cultures for bacteria and microscopy for parasites. Treatment was given to those who had a positive stool examination. An education program on the acquisition of the pathogens and their prevention were given by lecture and distribution of handouts. Efficacy of the education program was evaluated by assessing the knowledge and the presence of pathogens before and after the education program.


RESULTS
The study was done from January 2002 to March 2004. Risk factors for acquiring intestinal pathogens among food handlers were high regarding education level, housing, food hygiene and personal hygiene. Diarrheal diseases were common in food handlers and their relatives. Before the education program, 40.8% had intestinal pathogens, bacteria and parasites in almost similar proportions. Most common bacteria were Vibrio parahemolyticus, Plesiomonas shigelloides and Salmonella spp.; Blastocystis hominis, Giardia lambria and Endolimax nana were the frequently found intestinal parasites. Food handlers with the pathogens in stool were treated. After the education program subsequent investigation showed a significant reduction in stool pathogens and parasites but their knowledge and hand hygiene practice did not improve.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study showed a high prevalence rate of intestinal pathogens in food handlers of a tertiary care hospital. The education program failed to improve their knowledge and hand hygiene practice for the prevention of the pathogens.
Danchaivijitr
Somwang
S
Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok. sisdc@mahidol.ac.th
Rongrungruang
Yong
Y
Kachintorn
Udom
U
Techasathit
Vichai
V
Pakaworavuthi
Sumalee
S
Kachintorn
Kanchana
K
D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005511:Food Handling / Q000379:methods*; D005521:Food Service, Hospital; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D007410:Intestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000517:prevention & control; D008875:Middle Aged; D010564:Personnel, Hospital / Q000193:education*; D015995:Prevalence; D011361:Professional Competence; D015397:Program Evaluation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D000078329:Workforce