Modelling of Risk Factors Associated with Foodborne Disease among School-Aged Children in Medan, Indonesia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Foodborne disease (FBD) contributes several outbreaks worsening health quality of world population. Many risk factors associated with FBD are related to its processing, preparation, and storage as well as handling practice.

AIM: The study aimed to evaluate several proposed risk factors of foodborne disease existed among school-aged children and food-handlers in the school environment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: The descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 124 students consisting of 64 females and 60 males in two different public schools, 064024 and 066656, Medan, Indonesia, between April and August 2018. The bacterial and parasitological examination was carried out in Microbiology and Parasitology Department. Food-handlers were assessed their appropriateness using standardised questionnaire merit to the guidelines enacted by the Ministry of Health, Indonesia (Kepmenkes RI No.942 / Menkes / SK / VII / 2003 adapted from WHO guidelines) entitled food-handlers sanitation-hygiene requirement guidelines. Data analysis was conducted using logistic regression.

RESULTS: The study obtained that there were no food-handlers performed basic principles rules producing high-risk environment and posing a threat to children. Suspected-FBD also found in 55 or 44.4% students, and it was significantly related to several risk factors such as nail hygiene, knowledge level, nail-trimming behaviour, and hand-washing behaviour among students. Data analysis revealed modeling risk factor, Y = 23.440 + 2.003 (Nail hygiene) + 1.294 (Knowledge level) + 5.025 (Nail trimming behavior) + 7.007 (Hand-washing behavior) from logistic regression equation.

CONCLUSION: Poor hygiene and sanitation of food-handlers and children per se provide a supportive environment in producing FBDs.