Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Associated with Medical Examination by Food Handlers in Markets in Entebbe Municipality, Wakiso District, Uganda

Abstract Food-borne illnesses are common among clients of food establishments in Uganda. One of the reasons for the occurrence of these illnesses is that many food handlers, including those in the markets, do not adhere to medical examination which is a crucial safety practice. This study therefore assessed knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with medical examination by food handlers in markets in Entebbe municipality. This was a cross sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 90 food handlers were involved in the study, and six key informant interviews were conducted. Simple random sampling techniques were employed to select participants, and the study was conducted in four markets. Quantitative data were entered in EpiData version 3.0 and analysed using STATA version 13 involving univariate analysis, while qualitative data were analysed by thematical analysis. Among the food handlers who took part in the study, 96.7% (87/90) were females. The majority of food handlers (93.3%, 84/90) knew about medical examination, and 83.3% (75/90) knew that undergoing the procedure prevents food borne illnesses. Most of the food handlers (78.9%, 71/90) reported having ever undergone medical examination, with 56.9% (37/65) having been examined twice in the previous twelve months. Less than half of the food handlers (47.8%, 43/90) strongly agreed that routine medical examination is important to prevent food borne illnesses, and 43.3% (39/90) agreed that the six-monthly frequency of examination is appropriate. However, 42.2% (38/90) of the food handlers exhibited negative attitudes towards medical examination because of the cost of the procedure. The medical examination status of food handlers in Entebbe municipality was commendable as most of the food handlers exhibited good knowledge, and fair practices towards the procedure. Nevertheless, Entebbe Municipal Council should intensify efforts at sensitization of food handlers to improve their attitudes towards medical examination which will further lead to increased uptake of the procedure.