Knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning presence of molds in foods among members of the general public in Malawi

Matumba, L and Monjerezi, M and Kankwamba, H and Njoroge, S M C and Ndilowe, P and Kabuli, H and Kambewa, D and Njapau, H (2015) Knowledge, attitude, and practices concerning presence of molds in foods among members of the general public in Malawi. Mycotoxin Research, 32 (1). pp. 27-32. ISSN 0178-7888

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Abstract

This study assessed knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of the public in Malawi on issues related to molds in foodstuffs. A survey involving structured questionnaire was conducted with 805 respondents from seven districts of Malawi. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and analyses of variance were calculated. A majority of respondents recognized that molds were dangerous to human health (88 %); however, about 50 % of respondents were not informed that mold toxins are thermally stable and that they are not destroyable by normal cooking processes. About 33 % of the respondents asserted that they buy moldy maize, while approximately 20 % of respondents reported that they consume moldy fruits having discarded moldy fraction. There were significant differences in knowledge scores among different demographic groups. Females had significantly (p < 0.05) lower knowledge scores on issues related to molds in foods. Additionally, the respondent’s location had a significant effect. However, respondent’s education had subtle effect on knowledge score and the overall population’s knowledge score was generally low (3.55 ± 1.32 score out of 9). Results of the study underline the need to raise public’s knowledge about health risks associated with spoilage molds in food and prevention and management options.

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	RP-Grain Legumes
CRP:	CGIAR Research Program on Grain Legumes
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Mold, Food, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Malawi, knowledge, attitude, and practices, food stuff
Subjects:	Others
Depositing User:	Mr Ramesh K
Date Deposited:	10 May 2016 10:40
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2018 08:35
URI:	http://oar.icrisat.org/id/eprint/9506
Official URL:	http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12550-015-0237-3
Projects:	UNSPECIFIED
Funders:	UNSPECIFIED
Acknowledgement:	This study was supported by the World Bank through the Agricultural Productivity Program for Southern Africa (APPSA) project number MC-P04-2014 entitled BReducing Mycotoxin Contamination ofMaize, Groundnuts and Beans to Improve Food Safety and Enhance Health and Trade in Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique.
Links:	Google Scholar

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