Assessment of Food Safety Practices and Associated Factors Among Health Extension Model and Non-Model Households in Asella Town, South West Ethiopia, 2023

Abstract

Background: Food safety is essential for preventing foodborne illnesses and ensuring the health of consumers. Unsafe food can lead to diseases that result in significant morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aimed to assess food safety practices and associated factors among health extension model and non-model households in Asella Town, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 660 model and non-model households. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive and logistic regression analyses. Results: The overall prevalence of good food safety practices was 49.1%, with significantly higher prevalence among model households (75.4%) compared to non-model households (22.4%). Factors associated with good food safety practices included being a model household, availability of solid and liquid waste disposal sites, good knowledge towards food safety, and a positive attitude towards food safety. Conclusions and Recommendations: The study findings indicate a low level of good food safety practices among households. Interventions are needed to improve household food safety practices, knowledge, and attitudes towards food safety.