Determinants of Food Safety Knowledge among University Students in Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Foodborne diseases are among the most serious public health problems and young adults are an important target group as they often engage in risky food handling practices. The purpose of this study was to assess the level of food safety knowledge and its determinants among Pakistani university students. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted among university students during the academic year 2018-2019. A convenient sample of 1417 students completed a structured questionnaire containing forty-four questions on food safety and hygiene. Results Overall, participants showed a moderate level of food safety knowledge with a mean percentage score of 62.5±8.4. Students had a good level of knowledge about causes of foodborne diseases (66.3±16.9). However, the lowest level of knowledge was identified in foodborne diseases' symptoms (55.2±14.3). In general, females and participants from health-related degree program scored significantly higher (p<0.01) in all knowledge sections than their counterparts. A significant association was found between the causes of foodborne diseases and postgraduate students being more knowledgeable (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, gender, academic degree program, level of education, and father's education were significant predictors of overall food safety knowledge. Conclusion The results of this study showed that university students have a moderate knowledge in food safety. Educational interventions and awareness programs are needed to strengthen the existing knowledge.