Abstract

Pramila Adhikari and Sabita Sharma*

ABSTRACT

Background: Street food is ready-to-eat food and beverages found in the street which can transmit multiple harmful bacteria via the food chain and can result in morbidity and mortality due to food-borne diseases. This study aimed to assess the awareness regarding street food hygiene among vendors at Bharatpur Metropolitan City near a Narayani River Bank. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 83 street food vendors near Narayani River Bank of Bharatpur Metropolitan City. Sample were selected by using Non-Probability Consecutive sampling method. Data was collected by using Structured interview schedule. Obtained data were analyzed in IPM SPSS 20 software version by using descriptive statistics, chi square test and fisher’s exact test. Results: Findings revealed that respondents were from the age between 18 to 65 years and also noted a nearly equal percentage of vendors of both genders (male=50.6%, female=49.4), whereas less than one fourth (18.1%) respondents were illiterate. As far as experience, the median years of work experience were 3 years with an inter-quartile range of 6 and nearly more than half(57.8%) of respondents attended the food training program. Regarding awareness, less than half(44.6%) of respondents had an adequate level of awareness regarding street food hygiene whereas a level of awareness regarding street food hygiene was significantly associated with attending a food training program at p=0.012 level of significance. Conclusions: In conclusion, a considerable proportion of vendors are not aware of street food hygiene. Attending food training tends to influence the level of awareness of street food hygiene. So, it is recommended that the local level management committee of street food vendors should make a concerned effort to provide food training regarding street food hygiene.