Improving Hygiene Practices Among Local Food Handlers and Small Food Stall Workers through Health Education: A Community-Based Approach on Satiana Road, Faisalabad.

Abstract

This study examined the effect of structured health education on hygiene practices among small food stall workers on Satiana Road, Faisalabad. A quasi-experimental pre-post intervention design was employed with 60 food handlers selected through purposive sampling. Baseline hygiene practices were observed, followed by an educational intervention focusing on handwashing, utensil cleanliness, food storage, and waste disposal. Post-intervention assessment showed statistically significant improvement (p < .05) in all indicators: handwashing with soap (30% to 78%), cleaning utensils daily (40% to 83%), covered food storage (38% to 75%), and proper waste disposal (35% to 80%). The findings highlight that community-based education is an effective, low-cost approach to improving food safety and reducing foodborne disease risks among informal vendors.